Study Reveals How Regular Physical Activity Can Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

                                                                                   

                                                                Courtesy of Pixabay

Regular leisure time physical activity has been found to potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer for women before menopause, according to a recent research funded by Breast Cancer Now.

 The Findings

The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, analyzed data from 19 global studies, including the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study involved 547,000 pre-menopausal women.

They were conducted over a period of 11.5 years. The findings revealed that the most physically active women are 10% less likely to develop breast cancer before menopause when compared with the least physically active women.

 Other Considerations

The analysis accounted for various breast cancer risk factors such as BMI, family history of breast cancer and lifestyle behaviours like smoking, and alcohol consumption.

 Key Takeaways

The study stated that there was no specific amount of physical activity required to see benefits, but the more time spent on moderate and vigorous movement during leisure time, the lower the risk of breast cancer.

 The exact mechanism of how physical activity reduces breast cancer risk is not fully understood but it is believed to be linked to the reduction of sex hormones, insulin levels, growth hormones, and general inflammation, all of which are associated with cancer development and progression.

Recommendations

 Dr Michael Jones, Senior Staff Scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, highlighted the importance of the findings, stating that greater leisure time physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in younger women. However, he also emphasized that breast cancer risk is influenced by other factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

 Dr Simon Vincent, Director of Research, Support, and Influencing at Breast Cancer Now, stressed the significance of supporting women to make healthy lifestyle changes that can positively impact their health and help lower their risk of breast cancer.

 Conclusion

The findings of the study underscore the importance of promoting and supporting regular physical activity as a key component of a healthy lifestyle. It also has the potential to contribute to a reduced risk of breast cancer, particularly in younger women.