By Theresa Vergo, PA-C
Breast cancer, a formidable adversary in the world of women’s health, continues to affect millions of lives globally. While advancements in diagnosis and treatment have improved survival rates, the emphasis on prevention and lifestyle interventions remains paramount. Physical activity, long hailed for its multifaceted benefits, has emerged as a powerful ally in the fight against breast cancer. This article explores the compelling evidence that demonstrates how engaging in regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, decrease the likelihood of recurrence, and improve overall survival rates.
Breast Cancer: A Global Health Challenge
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone (World Cancer Research Fund, 2020). It not only poses a substantial health burden but also exacts a significant emotional and economic toll on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Hence, strategies for prevention and improved outcomes are of paramount importance.
Reducing the Risk
Several comprehensive studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer risk. A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2019, which included data from 63 studies, found compelling evidence that regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer (Zheng et al., 2019). The analysis revealed that women with the highest levels of physical activity experienced a 12% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to those with the lowest levels of activity.
The mechanisms behind this risk reduction are multifaceted. Physical activity can help regulate hormonal profiles, including estrogen, which is known to influence breast cancer development. Additionally, regular exercise can enhance the body’s immune function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in cancer development.
Preventing Recurrence
For those who have battled breast cancer and achieved remission, the fear of recurrence looms large. Encouragingly, research suggests that physical activity plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2005 followed 2,987 breast cancer survivors for an average of 91 months (Holmes et al., 2005). The study found that women who engaged in three to five hours of moderate-intensity physical activity per week had a 50% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who were less active. Furthermore, the risk of death from any cause was also significantly reduced among physically active survivors.
The physiological benefits of exercise post-treatment are substantial. Physical activity can help control body weight, reduce insulin resistance, and improve cardiovascular health, all of which contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Furthermore, exercise has a positive impact on emotional well-being, which can be particularly vital for those in remission.
Enhancing Survival Rates
For those already diagnosed with breast cancer, the impact of physical activity extends beyond reducing recurrence risk; it can also improve survival rates. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2019 demonstrated that women diagnosed with breast cancer who engaged in higher levels of physical activity after diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of dying from breast cancer (Iyengar et al., 2019).
The study, which included data from over 6,000 women, found that those who engaged in at least 10 metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours per week of physical activity after diagnosis had a 27% lower risk of breast cancer-specific mortality compared to those who were less active. The association between physical activity and survival was particularly pronounced in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The benefits of physical activity on survival extend beyond reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being, all of which contribute to better survival outcomes.
Conclusion
In the battle against breast cancer, prevention and lifestyle interventions are crucial components of a holistic approach to women’s health. Regular physical activity has emerged as a powerful weapon in reducing breast cancer risk, decreasing the likelihood of recurrence, and improving survival rates. The evidence is clear: moving more and engaging in exercise not only promotes overall well-being but also plays a vital role in the fight against breast cancer.
While scientific literature strongly supports the benefits of physical activity, it is essential to remember that every woman’s health journey is unique. Consulting with healthcare professionals and tailoring an exercise regimen to individual needs and abilities is paramount. Empowering women with the knowledge and tools to incorporate regular physical activity into their lives is a critical step towards a brighter, healthier future in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
239.429.0800
www.Inspireem.com
3555 Kraft Road, Suite 130, Naples, FL 34105
References:
• Zheng, Y., Wu, Q. J., & Xie, L. (2019). The relationship between
physical activity and the risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of
prospective studies. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 28(1),
1-11.
• Holmes, M. D., Chen, W. Y., Feskanich, D., Kroenke, C. H., & Colditz,
G. A. (2005). Physical activity and survival after breast cancer
diagnosis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23(9), 1689-1696.
• Iyengar, N. M., Arthur, R., Manson, J. E., Chlebowski, R. T., Kroenke,
C. H., Peterson, L., … & Rexrode, K. M. (2019). Association of body
fat and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with
normal body mass index: A secondary analysis of a randomized
clinical trial and observational study. JAMA Oncology, 5(2),
155-163.
• World Cancer Research Fund. (2020). Breast cancer statistics.
Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/
cancer-trends/breast-cancer-statistics.