High levels of physical activity may lower the risk of endometrial cancer (EC), but the same benefit was not clearly observed for ovarian cancer or cervical cancer, according to a meta-analysis of 36 prospective studies published through May 2025 published recently in BMC Women’s Health.
This study strengthens existing evidence linking physical activity to reduced EC risk and underscores the need for more research on how exercise may influence other gynecologic cancers, the authors stated.
Women who engaged in high levels of physical activity were 18% less likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to those with low activity, while moderate activity was associated with a smaller reduction in risk. These results held across studies with longer follow-up and those that accounted for body mass index, suggesting the benefit is not solely due to weight control.
Read more about the prognosis of EC
In contrast, moderate and high physical activity levels were not significantly associated with the risk of ovarian cancer or cervical cancer, although only two studies were available for cervical cancer.
This review included data from more than 30 studies conducted across multiple countries, primarily the United States, and covered various exercise levels and follow-up durations. Most studies were judged to be of high quality. Despite some heterogeneity and potential publication bias, particularly in moderate activity groups, the results for EC were generally consistent with guidelines from the American Cancer Society and World Cancer Research Fund, which recommend two and a half to five hours of moderate exercise weekly for cancer prevention.
For patients, this analysis reinforces that regular movement may be one modifiable way to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. However, it does not yet support physical activity as a clear preventive strategy for ovarian or cervical cancers. Researchers noted that more prospective studies are needed, especially to understand exercise’s role in cancers that may be influenced by different biological pathways.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about EC sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
