It has been found that women who engage in physical activity are 25% less likely to develop breast cancer in a new study.
However, the scientists also found that certain groups are more likely to see this benefit than others.
The results showed that the type of activity undertaken, at what time in life it is performed and the woman’s BMI (body mass index) will determine how protective the activity is against breast cancer.
Lean women engaged in sports or the ones who undertake other physical activities in their spare time, particularly if they have been through menopause, have the lowest risk of breast cancer. The scientists analysed 62 studies looking at the impact of physical activity on breast cancer risk. They then examined the findings to find out how breast cancer risk appeared to be affected by the type of activity, intensity of activity, when in life the activity was performed and other factors.
The scientists found that women who were the most physically active had about 25% reduced risk of developing breast cancer versus women who were the least active, reports the British Medical Journal. Even though vigorous, recreational exercise was linked to the greatest reduction in risk, moderate activity, work-related activity and household chores all lowered the risk of breast cancer.
Women who had undertaken a lot of physical activity throughout their life had the lowest risk of breast cancer, and activity performed after menopause had a greater effect than that performed earlier in life. Physical activity reduced breast cancer risk in all women except obese women and had the greatest impact on lean women.
The authors also said the way in which physical activity protected against breast cancer was likely to be complex and may involve effects on sex hormones, insulin-related factors, the immune system and other hormone and cellular pathways.
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"Can physical activity prevent breast cancer?" was posted on Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 11:09 am.