Study Reveals Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Women

A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that higher levels of physical activity can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in women. This research highlights the importance of lifestyle factors alongside age, reproductive history, hormonal exposure, central obesity, and family history in the development of the disease. The findings are part of a comprehensive research paper titled “Understanding female breast cancer risk in the Indian population: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published on December 24, 2024.

The study reveals that women aged over 50 years are three times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to those under 35 years. Additionally, the research indicates that women who have undergone more than two induced abortions also face an increased risk. Interestingly, the duration of breastfeeding and the use of oral contraceptives did not show a significant correlation with breast cancer incidence.

Rising Incidence and Survival Rates

Breast cancer is becoming an increasingly pressing health issue in India, with projections estimating an annual rise of approximately 5.6 percent in incidence, translating to nearly 50,000 new cases each year. Currently, breast cancer accounts for about 22.8 percent of all cancers diagnosed in women across the country. Survival rates vary considerably depending on how early the cancer is detected. For cases diagnosed at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 81 percent, but this figure drops to 65.5 percent for cases with regional spread, and to a stark 18.3 percent for those detected after distant metastasis.

The researchers examined observational studies from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up until December 22, 2024. They focused on identifying population-specific risk factors for Indian women. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, ensuring a robust analysis.

Recommendations for Public Health Initiatives

In addition to physical inactivity, the review identified several lifestyle-related risk factors, such as poor sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns, exposure to light during sleep, and high levels of stress. The findings underscore the need for public health initiatives that target the reduction of central obesity and promote early reproductive health counseling.

The study emphasizes the urgent requirement for large, population-based prospective cohort studies in India. These studies would help enhance breast cancer prevention strategies and improve early detection methods. Furthermore, the researchers advocate for well-designed, multicentric prospective studies that utilize standardized measurements. This approach would strengthen causal evidence and contribute to the development of India-specific breast cancer risk prediction tools, ultimately aiming to reduce the impact of this disease on women’s health in the country.