Association Between Sedentary Lifestyle, Physical Activity, and Skin Cancer Among Outpatient US Adults: Evidence from NHANES.

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behavior has been identified as a potential risk factor for various malignancies, whereas physical activity serves as a protective factor for certain cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between these two factors and the prevalence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs).

Methods: We collected cross-sectional data from 26,731 participants in the NHANES from 2007 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to assess the correlations between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and the prevalence of melanoma and NMSCs.

Results: Multivariable logistic regression indicated that sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with melanoma or NMSCs. The type and score of physical activity were not related to melanoma (p > 0.05). However, moderate-intensity physical activity (including both work and recreation activities) and physical activity scores in the 2001-4000 range were positively correlated with NMSCs. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests showed no significant differences in NMSC prevalence between participants with a physical activity score ranging from 2001-4000, suggesting that gender, Poverty Income Ratio (PIR), and education level were not significantly related to this positive correlation (p < 0.05). However, after adjusting for UV radiation as a covariate, the logistic regression results of the NMSCs were no longer significant.

Conclusion: Our study results indicate that, for individuals aged 20 and above in the US, SB is not associated with the prevalence of melanoma or NMSCs. There is no significant correlation between physical activity and the prevalence of melanoma, but a positive correlation exists with NMSCs'. However, this association was attenuated and lost statistical significance after adjustment for sunburn history as a proxy for UV exposure. We need more prospective and well-designed studies to validate our findings to promote early prevention and lifestyle interventions for high-risk populations of NMSCs.