Keywords
Leisure
Physical activity
Prevention
Public health
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Sedentary behavior, unhealthy body composition, and low physical activity are important modifiable risk factors. Growing evidence supports physical activity and active leisure as non-pharmacological strategies for cancer prevention and health promotion.
Aim: This study examined the role of physical activity and leisure in breast cancer prevention and explored the influence of body composition on disease risk.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using B-On, PubMed, and institutional repositories. Articles published between 2018 and 2023 in English and Portuguese were selected according to predefined criteria. Eight eligible studies were analyzed using the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge approach.
Results: The findings indicate that regular physical activity and active leisure are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Higher activity levels were linked to healthier body composition, lower sedentary behavior, less aggressive tumors, and improved survival. However, the strength of these associations varied according to body fat levels, menopausal status, and sociocultural context.
Conclusion: Physical activity and active leisure play a meaningful role in breast cancer prevention by improving body composition and reducing sedentary lifestyles. These findings support integrating physical activity into public health strategies and promoting accessible, culturally appropriate interventions to reduce cancer risk and enhance long-term well-being.
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