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C is for Cancer
In Australia more than 16 lives are lost to cancer each day due to an inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, insufficient exercise or being overweight. This statement headlined an Eat and Run Conference in Sydney in 2002. The conference, staged by the Cancer Council of Australia, highlighted the roles of nutrition and physical activity in the treatment and prevention of Australia’s number one killer – cancer.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia with almost 80,000 new cases diagnosed, and nearly 36,000 cancer-related deaths, per year. The most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanocytic skin cancer) are colorectal (bowel), prostate, breast, melanoma and lung cancer. Many of these cancers are survivable, and more importantly, preventable.
Fortunately, the survival rates for cancers have increased dramatically over the last few years. We also have a better understanding about the specific behaviours that reduce the risk of cancer. Medical evidence now supports the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention of some cancers. It is estimated that around 12% of breast cancer is caused by physical inactivity, and about 32% of deaths from colon cancer are caused by insufficient physical activity.
Harvard Professor, Graham Colditz, has quantified the role of physical activity in the prevention of colon cancer. According to his research, an additional half-hour of physical activity per week can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 10%. This is the equivalent of adding approximately 3-4,000 steps per week to your schedule. In more general terms, you can gain the health benefits associated from physical activity by adding a 30-minute walk to most, if not all, of your days each week. Why not start today?
Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity
