Spending long hours sitting may increase the risk of developing and dying from cancer, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine. Researchers found that replacing sedentary time with even light physical activity could significantly improve health outcomes. The study analyzed data from more than 91,000 participants in the UK Biobank over an average follow-up period of 12 years. The findings suggest that people who spend extended periods sitting are at a higher risk of both cancer diagnosis and cancer-related death. Each additional hour of prolonged sitting was associated with an approximately 10 percent increase in the risk of dying from cancer. Researchers also found that simple activities such as household chores, walking for 30 minutes a day, or even five minutes of vigorous exercise could substantially reduce the risk. Experts believe prolonged inactivity contributes to obesity, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, all of which are linked to several types of cancer. However, the researchers emphasized that the study is observational and does not prove that prolonged sitting directly causes cancer. They say further large-scale studies are needed to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.