The most impressive and well-supported studies of exercise and its relationship to breast cancer risk were reported in a journal to breast cancer risk were reported in a journal review by Blank and Chang from the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. The studies suggest the following mechanisms of action:
Decreasing body fat through exercise can reduce estrogen produced in fat stores.
Exercise contributes to normal pulsatile verifiability, which is known to reduce breast cancer risk.
Exercise may reduce insulin resistance, again promoting improved hormonal balance.
Exercise help strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of macrophages and T cells, and this too may protect against cancer.
Although these theories continue to gain support, questions remain: Exactly how much, at what intensity, and at what point in a woman's life span will exercise make the most difference for risk reduction?
A study by Janneke and colleagues, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in January, found that woman who engaged in recreational physical activity reduced their risk of breast cancer by 30% compared with inactive women. Recreational exercise can be aerobic activities such as walking, aerobic exercise classes, jogging, or swimming. These forms of exercise are fairly intense, which contributes to reduced hormone production.
This information in conjunction with the already proven benefits to body and mind builds a strong case for physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Start now but start slow
If you're inactive, be sure to get medical clearance before starting a program, and build slowly, working up to three or four 1- hour sessions a week. Walking, aerobic classes, or running are good choices. If impact activities are uncomfortable, try riding a stationary bicycle or working out in a pool. But whatever you do, choose an activity that you enjoy so you'll stick with it.
No comments:
Post a Comment