It may be the last day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the fight continues on year round -- and on one front, researchers are looking at whether or not exercise can reduce one's risk of a breast cancer diagnosis. There is some evidence to suggest that exercise not only reduces the chance of developing breast cancer, but that it may also help prevent a relapse of the disease in breast cancer survivors. A new study at the National Cancer Institute will break out of previous survey-based study methods and follow a set of inactive women between the ages of 18-35 as they encourage them to get active and measure the resulting effects. These women are either breast cancer survivors or at high risk for developing breast cancer, and must self-classify as sedentary to participate in the study. Once active in the study, the participants will be asked to walk 10,000 steps each day, and the effects on cancer relapse rate as well as effects on other cancer risk factors such as circulating hormone levels, cholesterol levels, and some immune markers will be determined. Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
Can exercise reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer?
It may be the last day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the fight continues on year round -- and on one front, researchers are looking at whether or not exercise can reduce one's risk of a breast cancer diagnosis. There is some evidence to suggest that exercise not only reduces the chance of developing breast cancer, but that it may also help prevent a relapse of the disease in breast cancer survivors. A new study at the National Cancer Institute will break out of previous survey-based study methods and follow a set of inactive women between the ages of 18-35 as they encourage them to get active and measure the resulting effects. These women are either breast cancer survivors or at high risk for developing breast cancer, and must self-classify as sedentary to participate in the study. Once active in the study, the participants will be asked to walk 10,000 steps each day, and the effects on cancer relapse rate as well as effects on other cancer risk factors such as circulating hormone levels, cholesterol levels, and some immune markers will be determined. 
1. The research findings from this study will be encouraging, in that I believe it will prove, beyond a survey based evaluation, that anyone will be able to incorporate a lifestyle activity that brings an absolute and positive benefit to their health. Walking is doable.
The additional research may be able to establish health benefits not yet evident to the simple act of walking, but there is currently sufficient evidence to support the encouragement of physical activity of walking for both those who are interested in cancer prevention, and those undergoing current treatments for cancer.
We know physical activity elevates the "feel good" chemicals in the brain, resulting in a psychological sense of well-being, an essential element in mind body health and healing. Breast cancer research suggests physical activity helps minimizes levels of estrogen in the body, of paramount importance for the breast cancers dependent on estrogen. The efficiency of the lymphatic system, a circulatory network that transports white blood cells throughout the body to fight infection and disease, is influenced by physical activity. The entire body system eliminates toxins stored in the body through physical activity.
While undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy and/or radiation in the treatment of cancer, a real fatigue results. At these times, physical movement, such as walking, is still important, even if this means walking across the room and back. As time goes on, physical strength returns, step by step, and the steps we take will increase. But walking is like breathing, the health of the body depends on our ability to do both. We do more of both than we are normally aware of, and if we are not doing as much as might benefit us, it is an easy adjustment to make in taking more steps in our day.
Posted at 7:13PM on Oct 31st 2005 by Dalene