Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Physical inactivity
Summary
Lack of regular physical activity is associated with increased risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancers.
Detail
WHO and WCRF/AICR identify physical inactivity as a modifiable cancer risk factor, with strongest evidence for colon, postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer. The proposed mechanisms include effects on body weight, hormone levels, insulin sensitivity and immune function. WHO physical-activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week for adults.
Regional relevance
global
Sources
Supporting sources
- Canadian Cancer Society — Canadian Cancer Society — Reduce your risk
- Cancer Research UK — Cancer Research UK — Causes of cancer and reducing your risk
- IARC / WHO — European Code Against Cancer — European Code Against Cancer (5th edition) — 14 ways you can help prevent cancer
- Cancer Council Australia — Cancer Council Australia — Causes of cancer
- WCRF/AICR — WCRF/AICR — Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective (Third Expert Report)
- WCRF/AICR — WCRF — Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Consumer references
Third-party tools some readers use alongside primary evidence. Meyron doesn't endorse them; we link them because you'll otherwise hit them anyway.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.