Mothers,
sisters, friends and daughters can be affected by breast cancer.
Regardless of age, race or economic status, an estimated 180,000
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly
45,000 will die from the disease.
Although there is currently no known cure, researchers are
working diligently to give women a fighting chance against
this frightening disease. A study published in the Archives
of Internal Medicine examined the role exercise may play
in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study,
which followed 121,701 women (aged 30-55) from 1976-1992.
Women were surveyed at different points during the study period
to gather data on physical activity, including the average
number of hours per week spent participating in moderate or
vigorous "recreational physical activity" (walking, jogging,
cycling, swimming, aerobic dance, tennis, etc.). Surveys also
were used to identify cases of breast cancer during the 16-year
study.
 Women who were more physically active showed a lower risk
of breast cancer than women who were less active. The intensity
of physical activity did not seem to be as important as consistent
activity; women reporting four or more hours of vigorous physical
activity each week had only a 10-15% lower risk of breast
cancer than women reporting one hour or less of moderate-to-vigorous
activity per week.
Early detection of breast cancer may help save your life
or the life of someone you love, and these research findings
suggest that consistent physical activity may help as well.
If you'd like more information on the value of health and
wellness in preventing disease, make an appointment with your
doctor of chiropractic.
Reference:
Rockhill B, Willett WC, Hunter DJ, et al. A prospective study
of recreational physical activity and breast cancer risk.
Archives of Internal Medicine, 1999: Vol. 159, pp2290-2296.
For additional information on women's health, go to https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/women.html
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