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European Code Against Cancer
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Questions & Answers

  • Tobacco
  • Second-hand smoke
  • Healthy body weight
  • Physical activity
  • Diet
  • Alcohol
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Pollutants
  • Radiation
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Vaccination and infections
  • Screening
  • Others
  • Pharmaceutical drugs

How does physical activity protect against cancer?

There are a number of biological mechanisms through which physical activity might protect against cancer. These include effects of physical activity on blood sugar levels and insulin and related hormones, sex hormones, inflammation, and immune function, all of which affect cancer risk. Physical activity also helps keep you from gaining weight and helps in maintaining a healthy body weight – which will have an additional effect on reducing cancer risk.
  • What types of cancer may be prevented by physical activity?
  • How does physical activity protect against cancer?
  • Apart from cancer, does physical activity reduce the risk of other diseases or conditions?
  • What does “physical activity” mean?
  • How much physical activity should I do?
  • Does the type of physical activity matter?
  • How much can I reduce my risk of cancer by being physically active?
  • How do I become more physically active?
  • I have been diagnosed with cancer. Will being more physically active be beneficial?
  • What about the amount of time I spend sitting down?

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