Exercise May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

November 19, 2008 -- According to a study of more than 32,000 postmenopausal women, vigorous exercise may cut risk of breast cancer by 30 percent in normal-weight women. According to the authors of the study, which was published recently in the journal Breast Cancer Research, “Possible mechanisms through which physical activity may protect against breast cancer that are independent of BMI [body mass index] include reduced exposure to growth factors, enhanced immune function, and decreased chronic inflammation, variables that are related both to greater physical activity and to lower breast cancer risk.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and is the sixth most-common cause of death for women of all ages in the U.S. Although the causes of breast cancer are not fully known, several risk factors have been identified that are associated with increased likelihood of developing the disease. Some risk factors are not controllable – for example, aging and a family history of breast cancer. Others, such as alcohol consumption and BMI, can be controlled by an individual to minimize their cancer risk.

The Institute of Medicine's report Fulfilling the Potential for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection takes a detailed look at how significant lifestyle changes such as increased exercise are material to the reduction of cancer risk.

• Fulfilling the Potential for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• Journal: Breast Cancer Research
• American Cancer Society
• Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Breast Cancer Risk Factors