REVEALED: Why washing up and ironing can cut risk of dying from cancer

Published: 19:46, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 19:52, 2 July 2026 They may be a chore for most people, but scientists say ironing and doing the dishes can cut the risk of dying from cancer. Researchers at Glasgow University found that continuously sitting or reclining for more than half an hour every day increases the chance of death from the disease. For each hour of continuous inactivity, the risk goes up. However, the team behind the research discovered the risk could be slashed by more than a fifth with a simple swap from sedentary behaviour to physical activity – with even everyday tasks such as ironing and dishwashing deemed beneficial. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, show the negative health impacts of prolonged periods of sitting still. Researchers found breaking up sedentary behaviour with periods of physical activity could help reduce cancer risks. Even light intensity exercises, including walking or household chores were deemed beneficial. Doing the dishes can cut the risk of dying from cancer  Ironing can also help, but for each hour of continuous inactivity, the risk goes up Long periods of sedentary behaviour have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. But the university team suggested that, until the study, it was not clear how much activity would make a difference. The researchers analysed data from devices worn by 91,000 UK Biobank participants who were followed up for an average of 12 years. They found the risk of cancer death was 12 per cent lower when one hour of sedentary behaviour was replaced with light physical activity each day, including slow walking or household tasks such as ironing and dishwashing. Cancer death risk was 8 per cent lower when 30 minutes of inactivity was replaced with moderate physical activity, including walking at an average pace. The risk was 22 per cent lower when five minutes of inactivity was replaced with five minutes of vigorous physical activity. Dr Frederick Ho, lead author of the study, said: ‘Sitting for more than 30 minutes is linked to a higher risk of cancer. 'The good news is that breaking up your sitting time with a short walk could be protective.’ No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.