by Answer is Fitness on October 2, 2012
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As most people know, exercise and eating healthy can help reduce your risk of getting breast cancer as well as other types of cancers. Answer is Fitness would like to tell you about some other ways to decrease that risk.
Exercise at least three times a week (more often is even better)
When you exercise, work to keep your heart rate above its baseline level for a minimum of 20 continuous minutes. Long walks are nice too, but it's the more vigorous exercise, exercise that makes you sweat that really helps your heart and cuts your cancer risk.
Maintain your body weight, or lose weight if you're overweight
Research shows that being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases your risk, especially if you put on the weight as an adult. A study shows that obese and overweight women also had lower breast cancer survival rates and a greater chance of more aggressive disease than average-weight or underweight women.
Do a monthly breast self-exam
Be sure to get proper instruction from your doctor and have your technique reviewed regularly. You might catch a lump, and it's a good idea to follow the changes in your body.
Have a mammogram once a year after 40
Catching a tumor early boosts the chance of survival significantly: The five-year survival rate can be as high as 98% for the earliest-stage localized disease, but hovers around 27% for the distant-stage, or metastatic, disease.
For a weight loss and nutrition plan specific to your body and needs, contact Answer is Fitness.
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