Exercise and cancer

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Cancer Information says:

"Exercise has an important role in cancer prevention by helping us to maintain a healthy body weight especially when combined with a healthy diet. But it may also have a more direct effect on cancer risk. Exercise is thought to influence the levels of hormones such as oestrogen and insulin in the body and hence may have a particular effect in hormone-related cancers.

"There is also evidence that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of bowel cancer and may help lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung and endometrial cancer. We recommend you try and do some moderate exercise 5 days per week for around 30 minutes."

16 September 2004