Does physical Exercise reduce risk of Breast Cancer?

Being physically active isn’t just good for your heart: there is lots of evidence that it can also reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or womb cancer. Exercise is one of the best and the simplest methods to keep yourself fit and prevent numerous diseases.  According to latest studies, women who exercise have 30% to 40% lower risk of breast cancer. The female hormone, Oestrogen plays an important role in which women with high estrogen level in their blood have increased chances of getting breast cancer and with exercise the estrogen level decreases and thus helps in lowering breast cancer risks.

Physical Activity Helps Maintain The Hormone Levels:

Physical activities also help in reducing other cancer growth factors such as insulin. Insulin helps in controlling how our bodies use and store energy from food. Changes in the level of insulin can have effects all over the body. Even older women need to be concerned about estrogen because after menopause the hormone is produced by fat cells. Women who exercise have less fat and therefore produce less estrogen. So preventing cancer through exercise is one of the best ways a woman can take charge of her health.

Opt For Physical Activity That Makes You Sweat:

There is no as such defined number of hours that women can exercise to prevent cancer from occurring or to lower risk. But we do know that as something is better than none, and more is better than less. Also, more vigorous activity is more effective than less vigorous activity. Examples of moderate intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, leisurely bicycling, yoga, golfing, softball, doubles tennis, and general yard and garden maintenance. Vigorous intensity activities include jogging, running, fast bicycling, swimming, aerobic dance, soccer, singles tennis, and basketball. All of these activities are in addition to those that are part of your usual routine at home and work – things like walking from your car to the garage and climbing a flight of stairs.

Exercise Helps Burn The Fat Cells:

Scientifically, exercise burns excess fats and consequently decreases the levels of hormones (estrogen, leptin& insulin)and growth factors (IGF-1) that are secreted by adipose (fat) cells. High level of leptin, insulin, and IGF-1 are responsible for breast cancer. After menopause high level of estrogen is secreted by adipose (fats) and fats are reduced by regular exercise.