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British women are at a higher risk of breast cancer due to lack of exercise

UK has one of the highest rates of breast, bowel and womb cancers that could be reduced by getting active

British women are at a higher risk of bowel, breast and womb cancer thanks to a lack of exercise.

In a survey of over 180 countries, the UK was found to have the 10th highest rate of the three cancers and experts claim an increasingly sedentary lifestyle is to blame.



While Barbados had the highest rate of all three cancers, the UK fared the worst when it came to breast cancer.

According to scientists and researchers, 12 per cent of bowel and breast cancer and 10 per cent of womb could be prevented if we were more physically active.

But it's not like we're talking about long, intense workouts at the gym every day. All you need is 150 minutes of moderate activity a week to decrease your chances of developing these fatal diseases. That's just half an hour, five days a week.

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Moderate activity includes a brisk walk or gardening but only 36 per cent of British women meet that target.

Dr Rachel Thompson of the World Cancer Research Fund pointed out the risks of neglecting your exercise regime.

‘It is a major concern that women in the UK are placed so highly in the world for cancers that are partially preventable through people being more physically active.

‘Regular activity can help strengthen the immune system, keep hormone levels healthy and the digestive system in good shape, all of which help reduce our chances of developing cancer.’



If hitting the gym isn’t an option, there are plenty of free and easy ways to get in your weekly exercise at home.

NHS Choices have loads of options to get your pulses racing, including these super simple yet effective 10-minute workouts.

Do you get your 150 minutes of exercise a week or could you do better? Let us know over on Twitter.