Reduce breast cancer risks by getting physically active

BY LINDA MILLER Comments 0
Published: October 28, 2008

Get out of the chair and off the sofa. Take a daily walk. Practice good nutrition.

That’s a start when it comes to reducing your risk of breast cancer or, for those who have had it, reducing the risk of recurrence.

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Until programs are introduced throughout the country, Dr. Michael Clark suggests going online to www.Livestrong.com and www.dotfit.com for information about fitness, nutrition and motivational tips.

Research shows that women can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 18 percent just by starting a walking program, said Dr. Micheal Clark, chief executive and president of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Those who train up to five times a week can decrease their risk by as much as 40 percent, he said.

The more you work out, the more you move, and the more calories you burn. The more calories you burn, the more you control your body mass index and drop body fat. When you drop body fat, you reduce the fat in blood cells. Fat cells increase hormones that can lead to breast tumors.

That’s why physical activity is so important for prevention and to reduce the chance of recurrence, Clark said.

He said studies show that recovering breast cancer patients who practice proper nutrition and a consistent exercise program can improve their cardiovascular and muscular strength as well as their flexibility. At the same time, such efforts ease the transition after surgery or treatment and help women restore a more active lifestyle.

Clark points to the Get Real & Heel Breast Cancer Program developed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Dr. Claudio Battaglini. The program reinforces findings that after breast cancer, exercise by itself is effective, and recreation alone is effective, but they’re extremely effective when done together, Dr. Clark said.

The program is built around cardiovascular training, strength training and flexibility training.

Other programs exist, and more programs are being developed. Clark said he thinks the American Cancer Society will become involved to help people find exercise professionals who have been trained to help those who have had cancer.

It’s also important to find a certified personal trainer who can help you adopt lifestyle changes that will make a difference in your flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness. Sometimes you need someone to help get you kick-started and keep you accountable, Clark said.