Even with daily physical activity such as going to the gym, walking, or yoga, this alone may not be enough if work requires sitting in a chair for eight to ten hours.
Cancer Risk Study Findings
According to a study published in PLOS Medicine, prolonged sitting time is associated with an increased risk of developing and dying from cancer, even among people who adhere to recommended levels of physical activity.
Impact of Sitting Time
Researchers tracked over 91,000 adults for more than twelve years. They found that every additional hour of continuous sitting exceeding 30 minutes was associated with an approximately ten percent increase in the risk of cancer death. Replacing sitting with physical activity was linked to a lower risk.
Causes and Recommendations
Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS Delhi, noted that while regular exercise remains extremely important, it should be combined with frequent changes in posture throughout the day. He emphasized that prolonged, continuous sitting apparently increases cancer risk and mortality independently.
According to Dr. Shankar, prolonged sitting negatively affects muscle activity, disrupts metabolism, contributes to insulin resistance, inflammation, weight gain, and hormonal changes, which potentially increases the likelihood of colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancer. The researchers warned that this observational study does not prove causation, but tracking using wearable devices strengthens the evidence presented.