Walking more could prevent 10,000 cancer cases a year

Simply increasing the amount of walking people do could help thousands of people in the UK avoid needing a healthcare plan to treat cancer.

According to new research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), 10,000 breast and bowel cancer cases could be prevented by an increase in moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk.

Around 4,600 cases of bowel cancer and 5,400 breast cancer cases could be avoided if people undertook physical activity that increases the heart rate for at least half an hour a day.

Furthermore, it could help prevent endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining), as well as warding off cancer in general as active people are less likely to be overweight - a key risk factor in cancer.

Indeed, even doing a relatively small amount of exercise can help prevent the disease.

"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," said Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science for WCRF.

"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."

Earlier this month, US researchers reported that middle-aged women who drink one unit of alcohol a day can double their chances of developing breast cancer.

A deadly salmonella outbreak has been linked to pre-sliced watermelons from Brazil, says the Health Protection Agency. Since December, one person has died and 50 more have fallen ill with a Salmonella Newport...

Experts warn that new cases of cancer  could rise by 30 per cent in the UK by 2030, due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and an ageing population. The UK has been ranked 16th out of 27 countries in the...

A new survey has revealed that too many Brits are unaware of the health risks of surpassing the recommended daily alcohol limits. The NHS currently recommends that men drink no more than 3 to 4 units of...

After we reported that black leaf tea lowers high blood pressure and cuts risk of heart disease, a new study has shown that green tea could help prevent functional disability in the elderly. Green tea...

A new study has shown that men who smoke suffer a faster cognitive decline than their non-smoking counterparts, suggesting that lighting up is bad for the brain. Male smokers suffer faster cognitive...