Physical Activity and Cancer

It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of some of the most common cancers in the United States may be related to overweight and/or physical inactivity. These cancers include breast, prostate, colon, kidney, and uterine cancers.

Recent studies indicate that up to 14 percent of cancer deaths in men and 20 percent of cancer deaths in women may be attributable to overweight and obesity.

Not only is physical activity important for reducing the risk of certain cancers, it’s beneficial in reducing other chronic diseases such as heart disease. It also reduces overweight and obesity. However, despite the compelling evidence of the benefit of physical activity, most Americans do not engage in regular physical activity.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activity a minimum of 30 minutes on five or more days a week or engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three or more days a week.

Examples of moderate-intensity physical activity include:

• Walking
• Aerobic dancing
• Recreational swimming
• Gardening and yard work
• Moderate housework
• Hiking

Examples of vigorous-intensity physical activity include:

• Running
• Bi-cycling (more than 10mph)
• Step aerobics
• Circuit weight training
• Most competitive sports

These are just a few examples of types of physical activity. For additional information on physical activity and types of activity click here:
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/measuring
and www.acsm.org.

Download the printable pdf, "Physical Activity and Cancer"
(requires Acrobat Reader)

See also:
Nutrition and Cancer
Sun and Cancer
Tobacco and Cancer