Study: Inactive Women At Higher Risk Of Developing Cervical Cancer; 30-Minute Exercise A Week Lowers Chances Of Disease

Being sedentary is unhealthy, especially for women. According to reports, inactive women are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Inactivity Increases A Woman's Risk

Obesity is one of the leading health problems today. For women out there who hates to sweat and don't mind their weight issues, you have another reason to keep moving. You have to sweat not only to lose weight but to keep yourself away from cervical cancer.

"We think that this study sends a powerful public health message: that a complete lack of exercise is associated with the greater likelihood of developing a serious disease," Kirsten Moysich, senior study author told HealthDay. "Our findings show that any amount of exercise can reduce cervical cancer risk."

The researchers believe that this is the first study to examine the associations of physical inactivity and cervical cancer. "Our findings suggest that abstinence from regular physical activity is associated with increased odds of cervical cancer," Dr. J. Brian Szender said. However, the cause and effect link was not proven.

Lowering Risk With Diseases

According to WebMD, engaging in a 30-minute activity for a week can significantly reduce one's risk to developing cervical cancer. The study involved 128 women diagnosed with cervical cancer. Another 512 women were suspected with the said condition but were later found out that they do not have the disease.

In the study, 31 percent of the women with cervical cancer were reported to be inactive. Physical inactivity was defined as exercising less than four times a month. Aside from this, the study considered smoking, alcohol intake, cervical cancer history and body mass index as other risk factors.

Inactive women were 2.5 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women who exercise regularly. The results of the study were published in the May issue of Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease.

Do you believe that being inactive can cause cancer? Will you now increase your physical activities? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.