Just 30 minutes a day can help reduce risk of bowel cancer
A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing pro-dancer is teaming up with other celebrities in a bid to battle bowel cancer.
Flavia Cacace, fitness guru Mr Motivator and actor Nadia Sawalha want the nation to take part in 30 minutes of physical activity every day in June for Bowel Cancer UK, raising awareness that every 30 minutes someone dies of bowel cancer.
The Step up for 30 challenge aims to inspire people to take up regular exercise and be more active to reduce their risk of the disease. Every year almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and it’s the fourth most common cancer in the UK.
The charity’s research shows that by taking part in regular physical activity – 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking – can decrease the risk of bowel cancer.
A poll commissioned by Bowel Cancer UK reveals that nearly a quarter of South East adults (23%) do not feel like they have the energy to exercise for 150 minutes every week.
Nadia said: “When I first started to exercise, it felt very daunting. So I started off with walking and then those ten minute walks turned into runs and later on they were marathons. Start small and then build your way up.”
Flavia added: “I make sure to fit in a workout wherever I can. Wherever that’s a 10-minute brisk walk to the shops, a quickstep while the kettle boils or a 15-minute more intense cardio session, it all adds up. That’s why I’m supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s Step up for 30 challenge. It’s a great way to get fit and discover types of exercise you love doing.”
Mr Motivator said: “Both my wife and I are aware of bowel cancer and make sure to take our screening tests when they arrive every two years, but we also try and make lifestyle choices that lower our risk of developing bowel cancer. Exercise is obviously a huge part of my life but knowing the massive effect that just 30 minutes of exercise a day can have on my long term health, is a great extra motivator.” For more details log on to bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30