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You may not want to sit for this: Study identifies new cancer risk

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2014 | Social Security Disability Benefits for Illness

By now, most people understand and appreciate that there are certain risk factors they can eliminate from their daily lives in an attempt to reduce their chances of developing cancer. For instance, they can quit smoking, avoid regular consumption of certain foods and drinks, and, of course, exercise.

Interestingly enough, however, a recently published study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that those who take part in a far more mundane — and frankly necessary — activity may be inadvertently increasing their risk of developing cancer.

Specifically, the researchers found that those people who spend more time seated than standing have a 66 percent greater chance of developing certain forms of cancer than their non-sedentary counterparts.

The researchers — who reviewed 43 separate studies polling participants about their daily activities and rates of cancer — also found that these results held true even when people were otherwise physically active. In other words, those who exercised regularly but still spent a majority of time sitting still faced an elevated cancer risk.

Breaking the numbers down, the study found the following:

  • Sedentary behavior was linked to a 32 percent increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, a 24 percent increased risk of developing colon cancer, and a 21 percent increased risk of developing lung cancer.
  • Television viewing was linked to a 66 percent increased risk of developing endometrial cancer and a 54 percent increased risk of developing colon cancer.
  • Every additional two hours of television viewing was linked to a 10 percent increased risk of developing endometrial cancer and an 8 percent increased risk of developing colon cancer.

The researchers theorize that some of this cancer risk may be attributed to obesity/weight gain associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Specifically, it may result in inflammation and other biological processes that spur the creation of hormones otherwise linked to cancer formation. Furthermore, they posit that television watchers tend to consume more processed foods and sugary drinks.

In order to combat this perceived cancer risk, the researchers advise people to do what they can to avoid making a habit of sitting in every aspect of their lives from their commute to their job to their home life.

This is a very interesting study that raises some important questions while helping raise cancer awareness.

In fact, it is extremely important for those suffering from any type of this devastating disease to understand that they may be able to secure much needed Social Security disability benefits to help make ends meet while they focus on their recovery. An experienced legal professional can examine their situation and help them determine a proper course of action.

Source: Time, “Sitting can increase your risk of cancer by up to 66 percent,” Alice Park, June 16, 2014