Housework Helps Breast Cancer

02-01-2007 16:36

Latest research reveals housework can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The study of 20,000 women funded by Cancer Research UK found hovering, mopping and dusting were a much better way of exercising than other physical activities in helping to combat cancer.

Household chores were the only activity that significantly reduced the risk of pre and post menopausal women getting the disease. The study carried out over six years found breast cancer was reduced by 30% in pre-menopausal women and 20% in post-menopausal.

The research was based on the women spending an average of 16-17 hours cooking , cleaning and washing. Dr Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK said: "We already know that women who keep a healthy weight are less likely to develop breast cancer.

"This study suggests that being physically active may also help reduce the risk and that something as simple and cheap as doing the housework can help."

The research is published in the Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention journal.

Adele Moore