Physical activity reduces cancer
The majority of people know that they could probably exercise a bit more and lose a few pounds to improve their health. But did you know that regular physical activity can reduce your risk for cancer? A recent study from the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund looked into how many cancer cases could be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours.
Not getting enough physical activity is linked to 16 per cent of cases of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer in Alberta with 1,960 cases being diagnosed in 2012 alone. If you are 50 years of age and older, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Early detection can save lives.
Breast cancer is another cancer that can be reduced by active lifestyles. In women 55 years and older, 17 per cent of breast cancer is linked to not getting enough physical activity. For those in communities without mammography services, mobile screening clinics are available in the North Zone. Go to http:// www.screeningforlife.ca/ screen test for mobile screening clinic dates and locations, or talk to your doctor.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in Alberta. Over 1,400 people died of lung cancer in 2012 and 1,950 people were diagnosed. However, it can be prevented in about 21 per cent of cases through regular physical activity.
Regular physical activity also plays a large role in preventing ovarian, endometrial, and prostate cancers.
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends that Canadians get 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week. A moderate intensity is where you are feeling warm and sweating a bit, breathing a bit harder and can still talk in full sentences. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, and ballroom dancing are examples of activities that would be in the moderate intensity range.
Vigorous intensity is when you are sweating a lot, breathing hard and can only get out a few words at a time. Running, cycling in a race, lane swimming, and hiking uphill or with a heavy pack are examples of vigorous intensity activities.
More information on how to prevent your risk to cancer can be found at www. albertapreventscancer.ca.
For information on physical activity, see Health Link at www. myhealth.ab.ca.