Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Cancer Risk Among Older Adults: A Cohort Study
Gali Cohen, David M. Steinberg, Lital Keinan‐Boker, Or Shaked, Abigail Goshen, Tal Shimony, Tamar Shohat, Yariv Gerber
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and long-term cancer risk in a nationwide cohort of older adults. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The cohort comprised participants of a national survey conducted between July 2005 and December 2006, constituting a random sample of Israeli community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older. Based on self-reported LTPA habits, participants were classified as sufficiently active, insufficiently active, or inactive according to published guidelines. Cancer diagnosis was assessed via the Israeli National Cancer Registry through September 2015. Inverse probability weighted hazard ratios for incident cancer, based on propensity score, were estimated for LTPA categories. RESULTS: value for trend = .002). CONCLUSION: Among older adults, engaging in LTPA, even at lower levels than officially recommended, may have a beneficial effect on primary prevention of cancer.