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Housework protects against breast cancer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Despite the technological progress that does not stand still and thanks to which housewives have new indispensable helpers in everyday life, it would still be better if women refused their help.
It is more useful for women to do laundry, washing dishes and other household chores themselves, which they entrust to technology. Of course, no woman wants to put a lot of household chores on her fragile shoulders, but perhaps some will change their minds after learning about the new discovery of scientists.
Housework can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 13%. This is evidenced by the results of the large-scale European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC), conducted with the support of Cancer Research UK, Britain.
To achieve such results, scientists recommend doing housework for at least six hours a day.
However, even with about three hours of work, you can achieve a positive effect and reduce the risk of disease by 8%.
A team of scientists led by epidemiologist Professor Tim Key from Oxford University followed 257,805 women for 11 years. During this period, 8,034 of the study participants developed breast cancer.
After taking into account all the factors that influence women's health, scientists came to the conclusion that physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
"This study gives every reason to assert the undeniable benefit that physical activity brings us, even the most minimal one. In addition, there is much evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of developing bowel cancer. Additional studies of the impact of an active lifestyle on human health, especially on the risks associated with cancer, will make it possible to identify new mechanisms for combating cancer, as well as to develop a complex for their prevention. This method of prevention is available to everyone, the main thing is not to be lazy," says Professor Key.
According to experts, a daily "dose" of activity can be considered walking up the stairs, going to the store or to work on foot, cleaning the house, working in the garden, and doing other household chores. At the same time, women do not necessarily have to torture themselves with workouts in the gym; active housework can be a great alternative to exercise machines.