It is intuitively obvious that sensible exercise is good
for us. If nothing else, it makes that afternoon snack easier to rationalize. New
research has just been published that shows that a moderate exercise regimen can
dramatically reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota were
interested in the relationship between exercise and the metabolism of estrogen.
Estrogen is a hormone that, in addition to other benefits, seems to play a role
in reducing breast cancer risk. The
study involved nearly 400 sedentary (but healthy) women, divided into two
groups. Once group continued their inactive lifestyle while the other group
committed to at least a half hour of moderate exercise at least five times a
week.
After four months, the two groups of women were examined.
As one might expect, the group who adopted a regular exercise routine had
better cardiovascular capacity and improved BMI. What stood out, though, was
that they also had a 25% increase in levels of some metabolites of estrogen that
were linked with reduced breast cancer risk.
So it appears that moderate exercise causes a woman’s
body to break down estrogen into beneficial metabolites which help fight off
cancer.
This result supported an earlier study which examined the
health of 3,000 women over age 20, with some as old as 98. About half of the
women had breast cancer and half did not. When they evaluated their exercise
habits they noticed some trends.
Women in all age groups showed a beneficial relationship
between exercise and avoiding breast cancer (about 6%). The largest benefit was
experienced by women with children who exercised 10-20 hours a week. They
showed a 30% lower incidence of breast cancer.
The benefits measured in both studies did not require gym
memberships or personal trainers. The only requirement was a disciplined
approach to actually being active on a consistent basis. Just walking at a moderate pace was enough.
So, gals, grab a walking buddy and get walking! It could
make a major difference in your long-term health!
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