If you’re seeing a lot of pink this month it is to bring to the forefront the much needed awareness in the fight for an end to breast cancer. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness with awareness and fund raising signs visible in many ways. If you tune into to watch your favorite team on Sunday, you’ll see 300- pound linebackers wearing pink cleats and gloves. When food shopping in any store, you’ll see many items packaged in pink with a portion of the proceeds to the cause. In fact, my grocery store actually asks for an additional donation at check-out. There are also many events held this month all to benefit this noble cause.
Many of these Breast Cancer Awareness events are typically exercise and fitness based. I know here in Phoenix, The Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure is held this month. Many cities are also hosting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure 60 mile walk this month as well. This is not a coincidence as many women often feel that exercise during treatment and afterward is what helps keep them strong and healthy. There is also much research that exercise cannot only prevent breast cancer, but also a reoccurrence.
Having trained numerous women both during and post-treatment of breast cancer, I have seen firsthand the positive effects of exercise. I was fortunate enough to be the exercise facilitator for such grant programs such as “Return to Welllness,” a program for women within two months of completing treatment. I was also one of the first fitness instructors at Wellness Communities Nationwide to launch Lance Armstrong’s “Live Well After Cancer Treatment.”
According to breastcancer.org, being physically fit is no guarantee that you will not get breast cancer, but research supports that regular exercise will put you at a reduced risk for developing the disease. The Journal for The American Medical Society echoes these findings stating, “Research has shown that four hours of exercise a week may lower the risk of developing breast cancer. “
With obesity being a contribution factor to the potential development of breast cancer, it is important that we continue to raise awareness of this disease. Weight gain is also one of the side effects for many women going through chemotherapy and treatment. Exercise promotes weight loss which in turn will reduce their risk of a reoccurring cancer. Studies also support findings that exercise can help boost the immune system and energy levels, while limiting fatigue.
I would be remiss if I did not also mention the sense of community exercise creates amongst survivors and their families. This is especially evident when helping to raise awareness through these fitness based events and at the same time doing something to take care of you.
Joanne Sgro is Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.