Still on Exercise

If you've noticed, I am on an exercise roll here. I just had to post this bit of information below because I realise now how much important being and staying active is especially for us women. Those diet pills will definitely have to take a back seat after you read this.

Physical activity and being overweight have been shown to be independent factors related to breast cancer risk--activity reduces risk, while being overweight raises risk. Consensus documents conclude that there's approximately a 30 percent protective effect from regular exercise in postmenopausal women, says Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. So when it comes to breast cancer, even overweight women can benefit from physical activity; being sedentary and overweight can be double trouble.

While researchers are unsure of exactly what, if any, effect daily exercise has on premenopausal women, the incentive to exercise prior to menopause remains high. Literature looking at animal models suggests that exercise can positively impact longevity and cancer risk at the chromosomal level, says Dr. Smith. The implications of such research underscore the importance of a life-long emphasis on physical activity for overall health and wellness. These recent findings suggest that the physiological effects of exercise are exerted on numerous organ systems and molecular pathways.

In addition, postmenopausal women who've gained at least 20 pounds since age 18 have a higher risk of breast cancer, says Susan Brown, RN, MS, citing two studies. 3,4

While exercise alone may not reduce cancer risk prior to menopause, it can help women maintain a consistent, healthy weight throughout life, which does impact risk.

And, women who are overweight before menopause tend to be overweight after menopause-a known risk factor for breast cancer, says Brown, director of health education for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research, education and health services.

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