Exercise may cut breast cancer risk, study finds

ConclusionThis large study has shown that increased exercise is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer for postmenopausal women. Strengths of the study include the large number of women and that self-reports of breast cancer were verified by a pathology report in 94% of cases.However, as the authors point out, a limitation of this study is that it was conducted on a group of teachers who were mainly of a healthy weight. This means the results may not be applicable to women of a different weight with different occupations, including more or less sedentary jobs.The study also relied on self-reported exercise levels, which may not be entirely accurate. It also only looked at recreational physical activity, so did not include any physical activity at work (for example, it didn't distinguish PE teachers from teachers of other subjects).For the women who developed breast cancer, it is not clear whether the diagnosis occurred before or after the levels of physical activity reduced. Lack of physical activity and excess body fat have been linked to an increased risk of many cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial (lining of the womb) and prostate cancer, as well as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Regardless of the limitations of this study, it is still advisable to take regular exercise.Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Breast cancer risk lower in women who walk ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news