Gardening cuts breast cancer risk

GARDENING in mid-life can cut the risk of breast cancer by up to 13pc, research has shown.

The study – the largest in a decade – shows the lifestyle impact of diet, alcohol and exercise on the most common form of cancer in women. Exercise was found to have the strongest protective effect, while daily drinking was found to be doing the most harm.

Just one small glass of wine a day was enough to increase the risk of the disease by 9pc among post-menopausal women.

The research, by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), examined all research worldwide. The charity said more than 6,000 cases could be prevented annually if women took at least 30 minutes’ exercise daily.

Before the menopause, vigorous exercise such as running or fast cycling made the greatest difference. Those who did it regularly – meaning around 45 minutes a day – had a 17pc lower risk of breast cancer, compared to those who were least active. After menopause the impact of such exertions dropped to 10pc.

By this stage, turning to moderate activity – such as gardening and walking – had a greater effect, cutting the risk of breast cancer by 13pc, the study found.

Breast cancer is diagnosed in more than 50,000 women a year.

The charity said more than 20,000 cases could be prevented annually if women were teetotal, active and kept a healthy weight.

Dr Rachel Thompson, WCRF’s head of research interpretation, said: “Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough exercise are important for preventing breast cancer.”