Walking an hour a day may help cut breast cancer risk

Conclusion The major strengths of this study are its large size, long follow-up period and the availability of detailed information provided by the women both at the start and during follow-up. As the authors point out the assessment of recreational physical activity in this study may not reflect total physical activity in working women in manual occupations. But they also note that most women in the study were “homemakers”. The women in the study population were predominantly white, middle-aged or elderly, and well educated, so as the authors also note, the results may not be generalisable to other groups. Another limitation is that the study, it is based on self-reported exercise which may introduce inaccuracies. Overall though, this type of study cannot prove that exercise directly helps to prevent breast cancer. It is possible that exercise may help to reduce risk, in addition to other healthy lifestyle factors. For example smoking, alcohol and a high-fat, low fruit and vegetable diet have all been associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Though the researchers adjusted for alcohol intake and smoking status, a more active lifestyle may be associated with a healthier diet and this may also be contributing to the decreased risk. Also of course, despite the best efforts that may be made to modify risk of cancer, some risk factors, such as our biology and hereditary risk cannot be altered. Nevertheless, walking as a form of exercise is accessible, free and go...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news