Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the world. In 2020, it caused over 6.8 lakh deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As per the Globocan data for 2020, breast cancer accounted for 13.5% of all cancer cases and 10.6% of all deaths.
With such alarming numbers, it is important that we take proactive steps and measures to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A new study suggests regular exercise can help minimise the dangers.
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Study Details
The study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that higher levels of leisure-time physical activity were linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research gathered data from 19 different studies involving over 547,000 women before menopause.
They then tracked the amount of leisure-time physical activity each woman indulged in and how many developed breast cancer during the follow-up period (median of 11.5 years).
During this period, 10,231 of the women developed breast cancer before they entered the menopausal stage.
What Did The Study Find?
Study findings suggested that those among the 10% most active were at a 10% lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who did the least.
According to Dr Michael Jones, senior staff scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research, "This new research provides us with solid evidence that greater leisure-time physical activity is associated with lower risk of breast cancer in younger women."
However, he noted that breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle and environment, and many of these are out of our control.
Jones added, "Our research adds to the evidence that engagement in higher levels of leisure-time physical activity may lead to reduced premenopausal breast cancer risk."
"We still need to better understand the biology behind the link between physical activity and reduced breast cancer risk, but these findings add to the strong body of evidence showing that being physically active is good for our health," he concluded.
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Breast Cancer Risk And The Role Of Early Detection
According to the WHO, between 30–50% of all cancer cases are preventable.
About 30% of breast cancer cases are attributed to modifiable risk factors, such as excess body weight, physical inactivity, and alcohol intake, and therefore are preventable, as per the American Cancer Society Journals.
Besides regular exercise, some of the ways to reduce breast cancer risk include:
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limit red and processed meat intake
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular screenings like mammograms and clinical breast exams for early detection
- Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
Conclusion
Exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of breast cancer, as observed in the study mentioned above. However, it alone does not suffice. Making healthy dietary choices, avoiding alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking also play a crucial role in curbing the risk. Moreover, regular screenings help detect the cancer early, which can increase survival rate and also provide better outcomes.