The relationship between sitting and the disease isn’t that direct. But there is a connection between inactivity and cancer, as study after study clearly shows. Excess weight is the main thread tying the two together. (Fast fact: It’s estimated that obesity is responsible for 4% to 8% of all cancer diagnoses.) Sitting is a correlate of obesity — and having obesity is a risk factor for certain types of cancer. The real takeaway in all of this is the importance of being active and managing your weight. And while the focus here is on cancer risk, it should be noted that sedentary habits also increase your chances of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other health issues that can cut your life short. Avoiding cancer may be as simple as getting off your butt and moving around. Research shows that sitting for long periods of time during the day increases your chance of developing certain types of cancer, including: Colon cancer Uterine (endometrial) cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Rethink how you go about your day in the office to break up your time in a chair. Try to get out of your seat and move around for at least five minutes every hour