State of the epidemiological evidence on physical activity and cancer prevention

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle risk factor that has the potential to reduce the risk of most major cancer sites. Methods: We examined the strength, consistency, dose-response and biological plausibility of an association between physical activity and risk of colon, breast, endometrium, lung, prostate, ovarian, gastric, rectal, pancreatic, bladder, testicular, kidney and haematological cancers. We also estimated the population-attributable risk (PAR) for physical inactivity and cancer in 15 European countries. Results: There is convincing or probable evidence for a beneficial effect of physical activity on the risk of colon, breast and endometrial cancers. The evidenc..