For years we’ve known that we can reduce our risk of cancer by not smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Now, in Cancer Council Victoria- led research funded by the Victorian Cancer Agency, we’ve quantified how many cancers are potentially preventable by physical activity.
Deputy Head of Epidemiology, A/Prof Brigid Lynch, led the research which estimates that 6,361 of all cancers observed in 2015 were attributed to physical inactivity, representing 4.8 per cent of all cancers diagnosed.
"This is a 350 per cent increase from the previous estimation that 1,814 incidences of cancer were attributed to physical inactivity in Australia in 2010,” said Brigid.
The research reflects that more cancer types, including breast, colon, bladder, endometrial, kidney, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck, myeloma, myeloid leukaemia, liver and gallbladder, are now linked to physical inactivity.
“This new research highlights the number of individual cancer diagnoses that could have been prevented if Australians were better supported to integrate regular physical activity into their day,” continued Brigid.
“The research reinforces the need for a multi-sectoral approach to support people to increase their daily physical activity. We know that changes to the built and natural environment, including improving the walkability of suburbs and providing easy access to public transport, can assist in increasing incidental exercise,” said Brigid.
“We need the support of all levels of government to implement the recommendations of the National Preventative Health Strategy. By providing the right infrastructure and social support we can help all Australians to develop positive physical activity habits that they can carry on reducing their risk of cancer later in life.”
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