British women may be among the world’s most inactive, according to a stark new analysis of cancer deaths.
The study places the UK is tenth in a list of the top ten of countries for rates of female cancer linked to lack of fitness, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.
The list also includes France, the USA, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.
It also includes three small countries, Iceland, Barbados and the Bahamas.
The fund says this is because of high rates of cancer of the bowel, the breast and the womb. It says being physically active can help reduce the risk of developing these cancers – estimating that more than 10% of cases could be prevented by fitness.
The charity urged women to use 2014 to make "small" lifestyle changes to reduce risk – by eating healthily and being more active. It said just 36% of British women meet national guidelines of undertaking 30 minutes of moderate activity for five days a week.
The fund’s Dr Rachel Thompson said: “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.
“These figures reflect the sedentary lifestyles of many people in Western countries, with lots of us spending too much time sitting around and not incorporating physical activity into our daily routine.
"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.”
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