71% of UK adults living in the West Midlands are not aware that being physically active for at least five days a week could help to reduce your risk of bowel cancer - the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.

The findings come as Bowel cancer UK launches its 'Step up for 30' fundraising campaign, which encourages people to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days in June.
 
Being physically active could result in 5,100 fewer bowel cancer cases every year in the UK and BBC Sport presenter, Gabby Logan, is supporting the charity’s fundraising campaign.
 
Every year 41,800 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer, it’s the fourth most common cancer. Research shows that taking part in regular physical activity, which is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, can decrease your risk of bowel cancer by as much as 12 per cent. Logan said:

"I really love being active, especially the feeling after. That can be anything, from a yoga session to training in a gym, I try to mix it up to keep it interesting!

"I'm supporting Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer's Step up for 30 challenge as it's a fantastic way to encourage people to be more physically active and to help to reduce their risk of bowel cancer.”
 
Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer, added:

“Physical activity doesn’t just have to be about working out in a gym. You could walk, swim, dance, run, cycle, do yoga – the choice is up to you. If you’re new to regular physical activity you can still take part and get active by taking the stairs rather than the lift, doing housework, walking the dog, or getting off the bus a stop early – it’s that easy to get involved.
 
“Last year hundreds of amazing people up and down the country took part in the fundraising challenge, some were in the midst of bowel cancer treatment, others in memory of someone who has had the disease and those who wished to show their support for family or friends.
 
“Whilst you’re getting fitter and feeling healthier, you’ll be raising money to fund the highest quality research and essential information and support services that will save lives from bowel cancer.”
 
You can sign up to the challenge at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30.