Exercise Prevents Breast Cancer – North Attleboro, MA

15 October 2013      

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer among American women. About 12% of women in the United States will develop an invasive form of breast cancer during their lifetime. Physical activity may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. But a new study suggests that women who exercise can substantially reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

Most women in the study walked, usually at a pleasant pace of about 3 miles per hour. About half of the group reported that such strolling was their only form of exercise.

When the researchers cross-tabulated exercise regimens and medical records, they found that those women who walked at least seven hours a week, had a 14% less chance of developing breast cancer than those who walked for fewer than three hours per week.

Meanwhile, those few women who were the most active, sweating vigorously for up to 10 hours each week, realized an even greater benefit, had a 25% less chance of developing breast cancer.

Exercise, by altering the ratio of estrogen metabolites and also reducing total body fat, may change the internal makeup of a woman's body and make it harder for breast cancer to take hold.

If you have never exercised, now is the time to start. If you are one of the women who regularly walks, try taking it up a notch. Breast Cancer Awareness month is the perfect time to put healthy lifestyle habits in place. Women’s fitness has always been important at Answer is Fitness. This month, let us help you put together a workout regimen that is right for you, your body and your lifestyle.

Preventing Cancer

The most important thing women can do to help prevent breast cancer is to perform monthly self-breast exams and to get appropriate screening tests.

Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

For help in designing a personal workout, contact Answer is Fitness.

WNCN