Study: Doing housework could prevent cancer Physical activity is important in the prevention of cancer, a new study has shown. Having 45 minutes of moderate level activity a day, such as cleaning the house, could prevent breast cancer. A study by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) showed that 5,500 cases of breast cancer in the UK could be prevented with 45 minutes of activity, like taking a brisk walk that makes you breathe more deeply and your heart beat faster. The activity need not be done all at once either because it is the total time for exercise that is important in each day. Being moderately active for 30 minutes per day, five days per week could prevent 4,600 cases of bowel cancer in the UK. As reported by Sky News, “cycling, dancing, swimming at a leisurely pace, gardening and vacuuming combined with other housework all count as sufficient exercise.” Exercise also diminishes the risk of women getting womb cancer. Keeping a healthy weight, exercising, eating healthy and limiting alcohol consumption lowers the risk of dozens of other cancers and diseases, as well. Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science at the WCRF, told Sky News we need to be physically active for a minimum of half an hour each day. She said: “There is now very strong evidence that being physically active is important for cancer prevention.”
August 30th, 2010