Women's Lifestyle Can Increase Cancer Risk One in five women are doing no exercise at all, according to new statistics from a survey by Cancer Research UK's Race for Life. The worrying results illustrate how women's lifestyle choices are increasing their cancer risk. The research shows that less than a third of women are doing the recommended levels of exercise, despite the fact that almost half of women know that taking regular exercise can reduce their risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, lung and endometrial cancers. Of those surveyed, almost half perceive themselves to be overweight or obese. Excess body weight can substantially increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease. In terms of diet, which is linked to around a third of all cancers, only one in three women are eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day. And, despite intense publicity about the dangers, almost a third of women surveyed smoke. Dr. Lesley Walker, Director of Cancer Information at Cancer Research UK, says, "We are very concerned by the results of this survey which show that, in many areas, women are making lifestyle choices that are likely to increase their risk of cancer. Many people think that cancer is purely a matter of chance but in reality at least half of all cancers are preventable. We can reduce our own risk of cancer and we can do this throughout our lives." SOURCE: Cancer Research UK (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org) Our Source: Artemis, Johns Hopkins newsletter, April 2005 Ann's NOTE: Our offices are located in South Florida and I often watch women get dropped off directly in front of a store or restaurant- no walking! Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.