Holistic healing

Could exercise help reduce the chances of breast cancer?

Just 15 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could cut the risk of breast cancer by one fifth, according to new research from Oxford University.

Just 15 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could cut the risk of breast cancer by one fifth, according to new research from Oxford University.

In a study of post-menopausal women, they found that those who did the most exercise had a far lower chance of developing breast cancer compared to those who did the least amount of physical activity. Results also suggested that women with the most body fat were 55 percent more likely to develop the disease than slimmer women, highlighting the link between excess fat and an increased risk of breast cancer development. Dr Anne Rigg, Consultant Medical Oncologist at London Bridge Hospital, explains the impact of exercise in the prevention of breast cancer and the steps that people can take to reduce their risk.

How can regular exercise play a part in the prevention of breast cancer?

“There is no doubt the lifestyle of the modern woman has changed dramatically since the time of our grandmothers. Domestic appliances have made housework less physically strenuous and less time-consuming. Access to cars and good public transport means that there is less need to walk than for previous generations. There is also the fact that employment opportunities have improved significantly for women in the last century so more women than ever are working. Whilst all of these factors have helped women they have come at a cost. The reality is that most British women are far less physically active than they used to be.

“There has been a steady rise in the number of women in the UK diagnosed with the condition each year and this correlates with the rise in body weight. No one can yet claim to fully understand why an individual woman develops breast cancer but there is plenty of evidence already that being overweight is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Therefore, keeping body weight within normal limits is beneficial. The most important way to do this is through regular exercise. As well as reducing the risk of breast and other cancers, it is also beneficial for the heart and prevents osteoporosis. I advise my patients once they have completed treatment for breast cancer to keep their weight in check through regular exercise and healthy eating.”

If there are any type of exercise that is more beneficial in reducing your cancer risk?

“In terms of breast cancer prevention, the predominant reason for recommending exercise is to keep weight within normal limits (body mass index 20-25). Therefore, the most useful exercise is aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming and running/jogging which will increase the heart rate and help to burn fat. The exercise should be at an intensity that causes the woman to perspire and breathe faster. These signs indicate that the heart rate is elevated. The other key factor is that exercise should take place several times a week so maintaining the routine is just as important as the intensity. The NHS recommends women have a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.”