Beyond Steps: How movement and sedentary behaviour shape cancer risk

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cancer risk: What the evidence shows and how to support patients in practice

This webinar explores the evidence linking physical activity and sedentary behaviour to cancer risk, drawing on findings from World Cancer Research Fund's Third Expert Report. It focuses on how movement influences cancer risk through key biological mechanisms and crucially, how health professionals can support patients to move more and sit less in ways that are achievable, meaningful and sustainable in real life.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the role of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in cancer prevention based on evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund's Third Expert Report.
• Recognise the key biological mechanisms through which physical activity reduces cancer risk.
• Develop practical, evidence-informed approaches to support patients to move more and sit less in everyday life.

Content outline:

• What the evidence says: physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cancer risk across multiple cancer sites.
• How physical activity reduces cancer risk: key mechanisms including metabolic regulation, inflammation, immune function, and hormone pathways.
• The WCRF physical activity recommendation: what it means in practice and how to communicate it clearly to patients.
• Moving beyond “exercise”: supporting small, achievable changes, reducing prolonged sitting, and integrating movement into daily routines
• Practical tips and resources to help health professionals have effective, motivating conversations about physical activity.

Who should attend:

This webinar is ideal for anyone working in primary care, public health, dietetics, nutrition, or community health and wellbeing

Whether your role involves brief interventions or lifestyle conversations, this session will equip you with actionable insights to support cancer prevention through exercise and activity.