Television has long been a form of entertainment for many individuals all around the world.

Despite the numerous benefits it provides, it also poses a range of risks such as promoting sedentary behavior which can lead to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of cancer. According to a recent study, watching too much TV is associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancers.

This article will explore the correlation between TV watching and cancer risk, as well as relevant research and studies that support this finding.

What is Cancer?

Cancer refers to a group of diseases caused by abnormal cells that divide and spread within the body. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can potentially invade surrounding tissues and organs, leading to serious complications.

Several variables contribute to cancer risk; some of these factors include genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, age, and lifestyle choices.

The link between TV-watching and Cancer Risk

Watching too much TV is one significant factor that has been shown to increase cancer risk.

Prolonged hours of no physical movement while watching TV lead to sedentary behavior, which in turn increases the risk of obesity and related cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

The risk of colorectal cancer due to TV-watching

One study discovered a direct relationship between watching TV and the risk of colorectal cancer, a disease that affects the colon and rectum.

This study found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases by approximately 12% for every additional two hours of television viewing per day. Furthermore, people who watched more than four hours of television per day had a 35% higher risk of developing colon cancer compared to people who watched less than one hour of TV on average.

The risk of breast cancer due to TV-watching

An additional study found that increased hours of TV-viewing can result in higher breast cancer incidence.

The Canadian-based study discovered that for every 10% rise in the hours spent watching TV, there was a concurrent 10% increase in breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. The study’s lead investigator suggested that the link between breast cancer and TV watching might exist due to the release of biologically active substances by the fat cells of the body.

These substances could potentially stimulate or alter the cells responsible for driving cancer development.

The risk of pancreatic cancer due to TV-watching

Pancreatic cancer is yet another form of cancer linked to TV watching. A study found that for every increase of 2 hours of TV per day, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased by 23%.

The study’s authors suggested that the link between pancreatic cancer and TV watching was linked to the increased sedentary behavior, which leads to a boost in insulin resistance within the body, significant weight gain, and overall inflammation.

How can you reduce the risk?

Reducing the amount of time spent watching television can help to decrease cancer risk.

Experts recommend going outside for a walk, partaking in any form of physical exercise for 30 minutes daily, avoiding watching TV while eating and having longer durations of interruptions while watching, such as taking standing or walking breaks to stretch. Moreover, ensuring a healthy diet can be associated with reducing the risk of cancer, including maintaining a balanced diet without too much fried food, sugar, and high-fat diets.

By integrating healthy behaviors, individuals can lower the cancer risk posed by activities such as watching TV.

Conclusion

It is apparent that watching excessive amounts of TV plays a vital role in the development or increase of cancer risk. Sedentary behavior, lack of physical exercise, and unhealthy food choices are all factors that contribute to cancer development.

The risks are markedly higher for those who watch longer durations of TV, with findings showing a higher risk in various forms such as pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Nevertheless, the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices can help to mitigate the risks associated with increased TV watching.