Exercise plays important role in lowering risk of breast cancer

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October is breast cancer awareness month. According to research, one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. There are currently more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in America. If it is found and treated early, most women can survive.

Breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, aside from lung cancer. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women this year will be breast cancers. And about 85 percent of diagnosed breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of it. A woman's risk of developing breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a mother, sister or daughter who has been diagnosed.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be a life-changing event, but it doesn't necessarily have to change your entire life. For some, it is possible to maintain a normal routine with a little less energy and strength. Staying active throughout treatments can generate feelings of hope and confidence as well as decrease treatment-related stress. Being physically active after a cancer diagnosis has been linked to better outcomes with body image, quality of life, as well as a decreased risk of recurrence or progression.

Breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. began decreasing in the year 2000 with women under 50 having experienced the largest decrease. These decreases are suggested to be the result of increased awareness, earlier detection with screenings and more advanced treatments. Rates dropped by 7 percent alone in 2002 which, in theory, is due to the reduced use of hormone replacement therapy.

Many studies reveal a link between regular exercise and a lower risk of breast cancer diagnosis or recurrence. The American Cancer Society suggests that women exercise at a moderate intensity level four to five hours per week, even if it is just walking. The key is to keep exercise consistent. Research shows that the risk-reducing benefits quickly disappeared when women stopped exercising regularly which suggests that the longer it has been since you have exercised, the greater your risk for developing breast cancer.

Physical activity has also been associated with reduced breast cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Women who increase their physical activity after menopause have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who don't.

While awareness, regular screenings and treatments are medically beneficial, one of the best and easiest risk reducing factors is regular exercise. However, if you have been diagnosed with cancer, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Missy Corrigan is executive of community health for Sumter Family YMCA. She can be reached at mcorrigan@ymcasumter.org or (803) 773-1404.