Physical Activity may reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who have been consistently active through their lifespan, according to a study published in the February 2003 issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
Exercise, well known for its role in aiding and preventing cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and a score of other chronic diseases, may also benefit women by having a favorable effect on hormone levels, body weight, weight gain with age, and immune function according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
I always say it’s never too late to exercise and if you have daughters, this study should motive not only you alone, but for you to encourage her to engage in an active lifestyle as well. Here is the information regarding the study.
The researchers recruited 1,550 women between the ages of 40-85 which included pre and postmenopausal women and women diagnosed with breast cancer. These women were asked extensively about their physical activity levels for the last 20 plus years including sports, leisure, etc. The questions regarding the physical activity at different periods in a women’s life showed modest reductions in the risk of breast cancer for all time periods with the biggest protective factor observed in women who were active 20 years prior to menopause.
To restate what this study discovered, you decrease your chances of breast cancer by incorporating exercise into your lifestyle at any time of your life. The biggest reduction was with those women who have been exercising for 20+ years. Start now, encourage your friends, daughters, nieces, etc. Let’s do our part in slowing down this scary disease.
To read the study in detail click on the link below:
http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&template=/CM/Conte...
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