Lifetime Physical Activity and Breast Cancer: a Case-Control Study in Kelantan, Malaysia

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major global mortality risk factor.
• It is linked to higher breast cancer incidence and recurrence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between lifelong physical activity and breast cancer risk.
• A case-control analysis was conducted.

Main Methods:

• 122 breast cancer cases and 121 controls in Kelantan, Malaysia were analyzed.
• Lifetime physical activity (occupational, household, recreational) was assessed using metabolic equivalent (MET) scores.
• Logistic regression analyzed the association between physical activity and breast cancer risk.

Main Results:

• Mean MET-hours/week/year was 120.0 for cases and 132.9 for controls.
• Household activities constituted ~70% of total physical activity; recreational/sports were ~2.5%.
• No association was found between occupational/recreational activity and breast cancer risk.

Conclusions:

• Higher intensity household activities were significantly associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
• Occupational and recreational physical activity did not show a significant association with breast cancer risk in this population.