Preventable cancer cases and deaths attributable to defi of physical activity in Korea from 2015 to 2030

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of cancers using various calculation methods and to estimate the PAFs of cancer incidence and mortality resulting from deficit in physical activity (DPA) from 2015 to 2030, based on data on prevalence rates. METHODS: The PAF of cancer was estimated using a cohort study-based meta-analysis of relative risk (RR), national prevalence rates of DPA from 2000 to 2015, and national cancer statistics from 2015 to 2030, with a latency of 15 years. RESULTS: In 2015, DPA contributed to 909 cancer cases and 548 deaths, accounting for 0.42% and 0.68% of new cancer cases and deaths, respectively. By 2030, the PAF values are expected to increase to 1.31% of incidence and 1.80% of mortality, with a continual increase from 2015 to 2030. When the low metabolic equivalent of task (MET) criteria were selected, the PAF values decreased for both incidence and mortality. The PAF calculated with < 900 MET-min/wk for the sex-specific MET criterion was higher than that calculated with < 900 MET-min/wk for both incidence and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of cancer associated with DPA is expected to rise in both male and female. Future research and strategies should emphasize the promotion of physical activity for cancer prevention, considering its significant implications for public health.