Australian researchers have discovered that working at a desk almost doubles the risk of colorectal cancer, even if the person exercises regularly in their free time.
The increased risk is not evident with people in less sedentary jobs, even if only mildly active, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology .
The University of Western Australia study found that people who worked 10 years in a sedentary job were 94 percent more likely to develop a tumor in the distal colon in the lower bowel, and 44 percent more likely to develop cancer of the rectum.
“Even a high level of vigorous recreational physical activity did not modify the effect of sedentary work,” according the study authors.
They warned: “The findings have occupational health implications, given that advances in technology have led to increasing amounts of sedentary behavior at work.”
Sitting down on the job is believed to lead to increased blood sugar levels and damage insulin production – both of which have been linked with the development of bowel cancer.