World Gynecologic Oncology Day is today, 20 September, a day aimed at raising awareness about types of cancer which only affect women. Gynecologic cancer includes the different types of cancer that affect women’s reproductive organs, including endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers. According to data from the World Health Organisation, these represent one of the main causes of death among women at a global level.
In this context, various scientific studies underline the importance of physical activity as a tool for prevention. According to a study published in the magazine Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,women who regularly engage in physical exercise have a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer. In addition, a study by the National Cancer Institute in the USA shows that physical exercise can help prevent ovarian cancer, one of the most lethal in the gynaecological category.
Physical activity not only helps people keep to healthy weight levels, which in itself reduces the risk of gynecologic cancer, but can also regulate hormone levels and improve the immune system, two other key elements for prevention.
Experts recommend building 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise into our daily routines every week or 75 minutes of intense physical exercise, along with two sessions to exercise muscles. Along with other healthy habits such as a balanced diet, these practices can help cut the chances of developing these types of illnesses.