Exercise can lower your breast cancer risk, as well as improve survivorship since it regulates hormones, reduces inflammation, and maintains your overall health. On the other hand, physical inactivity can increase your risk factors due to obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 died from it. Because it’s such a deadly disease, it’s essential to spread breast cancer awareness.
Part of that is educating seniors in Mission, KS, about exercise and breast cancer. Read on to find out more about the links between the two so you can lead a healthier lifestyle.
Does Exercise Affect Breast Cancer?
Senior fitness and health are already important topics since exercise is a protective factor that supports your overall well-being. But when you narrow the scope down to breast cancer, it also has a positive impact on the following things for breast cancer:
- Risk
- Progression
- Recovery
According to Susan G. Komen, multiple studies have shown that women who get regular exercise have a lower risk of breast cancer than those who don’t exercise.
Can Exercise Reduce Breast Lumps?
No, exercise itself can’t reduce breast lumps, since they’re usually caused by:
- Cysts
- Fibroadenomas
- Tumors
However, what exercise can do is reduce body fat and maintain hormonal balance. This then lowers the likelihood of hormone-related breast tissue changes, which can cause lumps.
Can Physical Inactivity Cause Breast Cancer?
Physical inactivity itself doesn’t cause breast cancer on its own. But it’s definitely a major risk factor.
This is because a sedentary lifestyle often leads to:
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- Chronic inflammation
All of the above are linked to increased breast cancer risk. Plus, if you’re inactive, you may have higher levels of circulating estrogen, and this can stimulate cancer cell development.
The good news is that even if you do moderate physical activity, this can cause a significant decrease in breast cancer risk.
Best Types of Exercise for Aging Adults With Breast Cancer
If you’re now wondering about healthy aging strategies, then you should note that the most effective exercise plans have a little of everything. More specifically, you should balance:
- Aerobic
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance training
They all have their strengths for breast cancer prevention and recovery, such as:
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Lowering body fat
- Regulating hormone levels
- Preserving muscle mass
- Improving bone density
- Boosting joint mobility
- Reducing stiffness
Exercise During and After Breast Cancer Treatment
If you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy, or are going to soon, then you need to approach exercise carefully. These treatments can really drain you, so you need to treat yourself with kindness and grace.
The best options are gentle, low-impact activities. They can help by:
- Reducing fatigue
- Improving your mood
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Maintaining muscle and bone health
- Enhancing sleep quality
- Boosting immune system function
After treatment, you should keep up with consistent exercise. It’s already essential for anyone’s good health, and cancer survivors are no exception.
The Long-Term Physical Activity Benefits for Breast Cancer Survivors
Regular exercise can already provide immediate risk reduction. But there are many other long-term benefits for breast cancer survivors. Being aware of them can motivate you to maintain a steady exercise routine.
For one, you’ll have a lower recurrence risk since you’ll have better hormonal and metabolic regulation. You’ll experience better heart health too, which is important since some cancer treatments increase your cardiovascular risk.
Exercising can also enhance your mental health, as it’s a natural stress reliever and mood booster. And most importantly, it can help you sustain your independence, since you’ll have better strength, balance, and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Not to Do When You Have Breast Cancer?
During treatment, you should avoid:
- Extreme diets
- High alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Overexertion
Don’t skip your appointments or delay recommended therapies either.
Is Exercise Safe During Chemotherapy?
Yes, but make sure to tailor it to your energy levels. For example, you can still do low-impact activities like walking or yoga, which are both safe and energizing. But make sure to consult with your oncologist before starting or adjusting routines.
How Many Hours of Exercise Per Week Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk?
The CDC recommends that older adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, so that’s one of our top cancer prevention tips. You should also get two days of strength training in for maximum results.
Can Exercise Help With Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery?
Yes, if you do gentle strength training and stretching, this can improve your circulation and lymphatic flow. As a result, this can help manage lymphedema symptoms.
Does Weight Loss Through Exercise Lower Breast Cancer Risk?
Yes, since fat tissue produces estrogen, and if you have excess estrogen, this increases your breast cancer risk. Weight loss from regular exercise means a decrease in fat tissue, so you’ll decrease this risk factor.
Should Aging Men Also Worry About Breast Cancer and Exercise?
Yes, breast cancer can occur in men as well, although it’s rare. Exercise can help reduce risk factors for everyone, and it’s also good for your overall health.
Can Exercise Improve Mental Health for Breast Cancer Patients?
Yes, since regular exercise can reduce:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
In addition, it can boost your mood and self-esteem. This can be very useful for coping with the emotional challenges of breast cancer.
Know the Links Between Exercise and Breast Cancer
As you can see, exercise and breast cancer have a positive correlation. If you’re physically active, then not only does it reduce your breast cancer risk, but if you’re a survivor, it’ll also lower your recurrence risk.
Not to mention, movement is good for everyone, as it can improve your overall health and well-being. So start exercising for yourself; you deserve to have truly enjoyable golden years that are as pain-free and mobile as possible.
To learn more about senior living in Mission, KS, get in touch with us now. The Welstone at Mission Crossing is a pet-friendly community that has a lounge with a bar and game tables, so we truly offer resort-like living.
