Morning and late afternoon walks most effective
Research conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund has revealed that taking two walks per day could significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer. The study suggests that being active in the morning and late afternoon provides the best results in terms of lowering the danger of developing the disease.
Specific timing of physical activity key
The benefits of walking to and from work or taking strolls after breakfast and before dinner were found to be more effective in reducing the risk of bowel cancer compared to other patterns of exercise, such as being active all day or only at night. According to the study of 86,000 British individuals, engaging in these specific walking routines reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 11 per cent, while being active all day only led to a six per cent risk reduction.
Importance of physical activity in cancer prevention
Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research at the WCRF, emphasized the significance of physical activity in reducing cancer risk, stating, "We know that being physically active cuts cancer risk." The study's findings suggest the potential for more tailored recommendations regarding the patterns and timing of physical activity to further enhance health benefits.
Encouraging individuals to stay active
Bowel cancer is among the most prevalent forms of cancer in the UK, with approximately 44,000 cases reported each year. While exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of various cancer types, many individuals in the UK fail to meet the recommended amount of physical activity, which is 2.5 hours per week. Dr Michael Leitzmann, the study's author from the University of Regensburg in Germany, highlighted the importance of timing in physical activity, suggesting that adjusting the timing of peak activity throughout the day could be a simple yet impactful way for individuals to further reduce their cancer risk.
