A recent study has found that exercise reduces women’s risk of developing endometrial cancer.

The Vanderbilt University study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, found that regular exercise as well as routine activities such as walking or household chores can reduce a woman's risk for endometrial cancer by as much as 30 to 40%.


Exercise important in adolescence and adulthood

The researchers interviewed 832 women, ages 30 to 69, diagnosed with cancer of the endometrium—the lining of the uterus. Physical activity from intentional exercise as well as household chores and walking or cycling for transportation was assessed for adolescent period (ages 13 to 19) and in the 10 years before entering the study (adulthood). Lifetime occupational activity was also examined.

Scientists took into account major demographic factors or established endometrial cancer risk factors. The results showed that exercise participation in both adolescence and adulthood was associated with a 30 to 40% reduction in endometrial cancer risk.


Risk increased for higher BMI subjects

Also, in analyses to evaluate the separate effects of exercise and lifestyle activity, women who reported no exercise but who had more active lifestyles through household chores and/or daily walking reduced their risk by about 40%.

Similar benefit was evident for women with less active lifestyles but who exercised regularly. The study’s results also indicate that endometrial cancer risk is increased for women with more body fat as measured by body mass index (BMI). The study found that such increased risk was partially reduced for heavier women with higher levels of physical activity.


Important implications

The researchers noted the benefits derived from a broad range of daily activities. Given the low prevalence of exercise among middle-aged and older women, these findings have important health implications—highlighting the potential for both intentional exercise and lifestyle activities in reducing endometrial cancer risk.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy, affecting more than 35,000 American women each year.