In 2022, an average of 440 Australians were diagnosed with cancer each day and Central Coast emergency doctor Ash Bowden, also known as Doctor Do More, is calling on Coasties to help tackle the statistic one step at a time.
Bowden’s annual step challenge, #MoveAgainstCancer, encourages participants to join up in teams and track their steps throughout September, improving their own health and raising money for Cancer Council at the same time.
He said improving step count not only benefits physical and mental health, but exercise is shown to lower a person’s risk of 13 types of cancer, some more than a 20 per cent, including colon, breast, endometrial, oesophageal, liver, lung, stomach, kidney, head and neck, rectal and bladder cancers.
“Moving more has unbelievable benefits on your health – reduced risk of cancers, reduced risk of cardiorespiratory disease, improved cognition and more,” he said.
“Importantly, it has a huge impact on our mental health, something we all need right now.
“The pandemic and current financial climate have caused much stress and anxiety.
“With rising interest rates, people tend to cut ‘luxury’ spending and exercise is often seen as this.
“Getting outside and staying active can safeguard our mental health, helping us to stay positive as we move forward.”
Cancer Council suggests up to one hour of moderate activity each day, such as a brisk walk, can reduce many cancer risk factors.
“It may seem like a small change, but it can have a profound impact on all aspects of cancer, from prevention to tolerating treatment to survivorship,” Bowden said.
#MoveAgainstCancer 2023 is the fourth annual step challenge organised by Bowden, who has so far raised over $165,000 and involved more than 2,000 people.
He is hoping participation this year will be the most it has ever been.
“It’s such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in,” he said.
All money raised by participants throughout the challenge will go to Cancer Council to ensure nobody faces a cancer diagnosis alone.
The challenge starts on Wednesday, September 1, and will run to Thursday, September 30, supported by Smile On Clinics and Industree Group Australia.
Register for #MoveAgainstCancer at https://do-more.live/moveagainstcancer2023
Source:
Cancer Council