Bowel cancer risk slashed by two walks a day – the best time to go revealed
GOING for two walks per day could slash your risk of bowel cancer, according to a study.
Research by the World Cancer Research Fund found being active in the morning and late afternoon was best for reducing the danger.
It means walking to and from work, or taking strolls after breakfast and before dinner, could boost your health.
The benefits were better than for other patterns of exercise like being active all day or only at night.
Study of 86,000 British people found it reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 11 per cent compared to being inactive.
Being active all day reduced the risk by six per cent.
This could provide a simple way for individuals to reduce their cancer risk
Dr Michael Leitzmann
Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research at the WCRF, said: “We know that being physically active cuts cancer risk.
“These intriguing new findings offer potential for more specific recommendations on patterns and timing of physical activity.”
Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease in the UK, with around 44,000 cases per year.
Exercise reduces the risk of most cancer types but millions of Brits do not manage to do the recommended amount of 2.5 hours per week.
Study author Dr Michael Leitzmann, from the University of Regensburg in Germany, added: “Our study highlights that not only is physical activity important for reducing colorectal cancer risk, but the timing of peak activity throughout the day could play a crucial role.
“This could provide a simple yet impactful way for individuals to further reduce their cancer risk.”
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep