OVER half of Victoria’s adult population are increasing their risk of cancer due to a lack of exercise.
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Cancer Council Victoria lists insufficient physical activity as a major risk factor for a range of cancers.
Statistics released by the cancer council show 55 per cent of Victorians do not meet the recommended guidelines of one hour of moderate exercise or 30 minutes of vigorous activity per day.
Adele MacDonald, who runs See Change Fitness Training in Koroit, said meeting the required daily activity level could be done at people’s own pace.
“The best thing to do is start off with walking,” Mrs MacDonald said.
“You can do it at your own pace and it won’t be the physical burden going straight into running might be.
“It gets you out and about and gives you a good feeling, it’s great for mind and body.
“Exercise is like anything, if you keep doing it then you get in a routine and it becomes easier.”
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said every year, more than 31,600 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer and nearly 11,000 died from the disease.
He reinforced Mrs MacDonald’s message that good exercise patterns were easy to settle into.
“Just forming a habit of getting off the couch and going for a walk can have a significant impact on your risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis,” Mr Harper said. He said physical activity is an important preventative factor in 13 cancers, including two of the most common cancers, breast and bowel.
“Being physically active lowers the risk of recurrence and improves the chances of survival compared to those who don’t exercise,” Mr Harper said.