MODERATE EXERCISE daily, which could include brisk walking or even housework, for about 30 to 45 minutes, can help prevent cancer, British scientists revealed on Tuesday.
Scientists at World Cancer Research Fund have estimated that about 10,000 cases of breast and bowel cancer could be prevented every year through people being more physically active.
Scientists have estimated that about 4,600 bowel cancer cases could be prevented simply if people did more moderate exercise and about 5,500 breast cancer cases could be prevented in the same way.
Physical activity also reduces risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining) and as well as preventing cancer in its own right, people who are regularly active are less likely to be overweight, which is an important cancer risk factor, the WCRF said.
Moderate activity is anything that gets heart beating a bit faster and makes a person breathe more deeply — like brisk walking or house work, the fund explained.
“There are plenty of easy ways to build this type of activity into your daily routine, so you don’t need to set aside half an hour each day to exercise. Shorter bouts of activity are just as beneficial as it’s the total time that’s important,” the fund said.
“There is now very strong evidence that being physically active is important for cancer prevention. Even relatively modest increases in activity levels could prevent thousands of cancer cases in the UK every year,” Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science for WCRF, said.
“These figures also show you do not have to go to the gym every day to benefit. You can reduce your cancer risk just by making small changes and this is highlighted by the fact that so many cancer cases could be prevented through something as simple as brisk walking. By taking up walking as a hobby or even walking to the shops instead of taking the bus or car, people can make a real difference to their health,” she added.