Can Exercising Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Nov 2008 04:58 PM

A new study suggests that women who participate in vigorous exercise can lessen their risk of contracting breast cancer. The new research was conducted by the National Cancer Institute and gives post-menopausal women hope for healthier years ahead.

The study followed more than 32,000 women who were enrolled in a Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration. Each woman provided answers to a questionnaire asking about their physical activity (including everyday tasks like housework, work related activity and leisure activity) over the course of a year. Researchers then performed statistical tests to estimate the relative risk of post-menopausal breast cancer linked to physical activity.

In examining the results researchers found a link between vigorous exercise, lean women and the reduction of breast cancer. The study found that vigorous activity appeared to reduce breast cancer risk. The results were significant for lean, but not overweight and obese women, which researchers says suggests that "physical activity acts through underlying biological mechanisms that are independent of body weight control." Meaning it was the exercise that was beneficial and not the weight of the women. Basically, regardless of whether the vigorous exercise resulted in weight loss, the women who participated in some type of vigorous activity lessened their risk of cancer.

Researchers defined "vigorous activity" as: heavy housework like scrubbing floors and washing windows; digging in the garden; chopping wood; shoveling snow; strenuous sports and exercise, including running, fast jogging and aerobics (as opposed to walking or golf); bicycling on hills (as opposed to flat surfaces); and fast dancing.

Researchers say based on the study's results women should consider participating in more vigorous activity. While doing so will not automatically eliminate your chances of contracting breast cancer it will benefit your overall health and possibly reduce your breast cancer risk. What's more, researchers say every bit helps. Meaning you don't have to exercise 24/7 to enjoy the benefits of vigorous activity. Rather, shoot for 30 to 45 minutes per day at least four times a week.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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