We know exercise is good for your health,  but did you know regular exercise can decrease your risk of many cancers such as bowel cancer, endometrial cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer?

Obesity is also linked to many cancers, so by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, you can also reduce the risk of other cancers such as kidney, bladder, pancreas, liver, stomach and oesophageal cancer. 

So how much exercise should we be doing to decrease our cancer risk?  

It is recommended that we do 2 1/2 – 5 hours  of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 1 1/4 – 2 1/2 hours of vigorous aerobic activity to reduce our cancer risk. For maximum cancer prevention benefits, it is recommended you build up to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. Remember exercise comes in many forms and includes walking, household chores, swimming, golf, and team sports. 

What about exercise in patients with cancer? 

There is strong evidence that moderate-intensity aerobic and/or resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue and improve quality of life. 

There is also good evidence that physical activity may have beneficial effects on survival for patients with breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. 

Don’t forget exercise has many other positive effects on our health including reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and it can boost our energy levels. 

For more tips about being physically active and reducing your cancer risk click on this great resource from the Cancer Council…..

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Be-physically-active-Web-2019.pdf.pdf