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Stay active to reduce risk

29/ 4/2008

Q Can people reduce their cancer risk by taking exercise?

A You can reduce your risk of cancer by being regularly physically active and it is not just activities that are traditionally regarded as exercise that count.

Even doing things like gardening and taking a brisk walk can make a positive difference to our cancer risk. We recommend people aim for at least half an hour of moderate activity every day.

As your fitness improves, aim to build towards an hour of moderate activity or at least half an hour of vigorous activity every day.

Every bit of activity you do can make a difference, and it really is a case of the more the better.

There is convincing evidence that being physically active protects against bowel cancer. It probably also protects against post-menopausal breast cancer and endometrial (womb) cancer.

Studies show that regular activity can help keep our hormone levels healthy, which is important as having high levels of some hormones can increase our cancer risk.

Physical activity may also strengthen our immune system, help keep our digestive system healthy and allow us to consume more food - and more cancer-protective nutrients - without gaining weight.