We are 2/3 of the way through October and hope you’ve had a chance to read along and learn more about Breast Cancer prevention and awareness this month. Today’s focus is on yet another modifiable risk factor for breast cancer: inactivity.
Engaging in regular physical activity is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Additionally, it's one way to help promote a healthy body weight, as weight is closely connected with breast cancer risk, and the risk increases for those overweight or obese after reaching menopause.
Research shows a link between exercising regularly at a moderate or intense level for 4 to 7 hours per week and a lower risk of breast cancer. This may be because exercise controls blood sugar and limits blood levels of insulin growth factor, a hormone that can affect how breast cells grow and behave. Also, as mentioned above, people who exercise regularly tend to be healthier and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and body composition as compared to their sedentary counterparts.
Are you far from this 4 hours a week target? Start slowly, adding 15 minutes of movement to your day, and build from there with an eventual goal of at least 30 minutes a day. As far as the best type of exercise, health experts recommend one that you will stick with! So do some soul searching and inquire what excites you and what you’re most likely to make part of your daily routine. Some people prefer meditative, solo walking while others may enjoy the accountability and rapport of a walking group, while others love the energy of a fitness class, and still others crave that from comfort of their own home.
If you’re having a hard time sticking with a program, it may be that you haven’t found your preferred exercise of choice yet; don’t forget that we have personal trainers who can put together a program for you and health advisors who can help you succeed in following through with that program. We look forward to supporting you in any way we are able!
Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
Looking for more resources on Breast Cancer prevention? Check out our Pink Page!
– Keeley Mezzancello, MS, RD, LDN, CHWC
Health Advisor, Registered Dietitian | Email Keeley
