Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and gene-environment interactions in cancer

Dr. Boyle’s research will investigate the role that physical activity and sedentary behaviour play in the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and breast cancer.

This project aims to: 1) examine the associations between physical activity and sedentary behaviour and the risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and 2) investigate whether the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on the risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer are modified by particular genes.

These research questions will be investigated using data from four case-control studies (three of which were conducted in British Columbia), as well as pooled data from an international consortium of case-control studies.

This research will provide new and important information about the associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and cancer. Identification of modifiable risk factors is particularly important for the prevention and control of these cancers, as little is known about their etiology.