Cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to insufficient physical activity. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olsen, Catherine M.; Wilson, Louise F.; Nagle, Christina M.; Kendall, Bradley J.; Bain, Christopher J.; Pandeya, Nirmala; Webb, Penelope M.; Whiteman, David C.
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of public health. Volume 39:Number 5(2015)
• Page Start: 458
• Page End: 463
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Public health -- Australia -- Periodicals; Public health -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Australia -- Periodicals; Medical care -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; 362.10993
• DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12469
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1326-0200

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objectives:</bold> To estimate the proportion and numbers of cancers occurring in Australia in 2010 attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity.</p> <p> <bold>Methods:</bold> We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancers causally associated with insufficient physical activity (colon, post‐menopausal breast and endometrium) using standard formulae incorporating prevalence of insufficient physical activity (<60 minutes at least 5 days/week), relative risks associated with physical activity and cancer incidence. We also estimated the proportion change in cancer incidence (potential impact fraction [PIF]) that may have occurred assuming that everyone with insufficient activity levels increased their exercise by 30 minutes/week.</p> <p> <bold>Results:</bold> An estimated 1, 814 cases of colon, post‐menopausal breast and endometrial cancer were attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity: 707 (6.5%) colon; 971 (7.8%) post‐menopausal breast; and 136 (6.0%) endometrial cancers. If those exercising below the recommended level had increased their activity level by 30 minutes/week, we estimate 314 fewer cancers (17% of those attributable to insufficient physical activity) would have occurred in 2010.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions:</bold> More than 1, 500 cancers were attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity in the Australian population.</p> <p> <bold>Implications:</bold> Increasing the proportion of Australians who exercise could reduce the incidence of several common cancers.</p> </abstract>