What types of cancer may be prevented by physical activity?
Being physically active reduces the likelihood of cancers of the large bowel (colorectum), and in women of the breast and the lining of the womb (endometrium), whatever your body weight. These are among the most common cancers in Europe. Physical activity also helps keep you from gaining weight – which will have an additional effect on reducing risks of these and other cancers, including kidney, pancreas, gullet (oesophageal) and gall bladder cancers. There is also some evidence that a lifestyle that reduces sedentary behaviours (avoids sitting for long periods of the day) may protect against endometrial cancer.