An Evaluation of the Evidence Relating to Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cancer Incidence and Mortality

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThis review provides an up-to-date overview of the evidence relating to physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and cancer, both in terms of risk and mortality. A summary of the postulated biological mechanisms underpinning these associations is also presented.Recent FindingsEpidemiologic evidence suggests that physical activity is inversely associated with cancers of the esophagus (adenocarcinoma), liver, lung, kidney, gastric cardia, endometrium, colon, rectum, head and neck, bladder, and breast, as well as myeloid leukemia and myeloma. Physical activity prior to a cancer diagnosis is related to decreased risk of all-cancer mortality, and pre- and postdiagnosis physical a..