Breast Health and Exercise

News Note

By Darren Buford

Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Spring/Summer 2004.

The benefits of exercise for cutting the risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are well-documented. But according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, add breast health to the list. In a study of more than 74,000 postmenopausal women, those of normal weight who exercised 75 minutes to 10 hours a week cut their chances of developing breast cancer by 30 percent to 37 percent, respectively.

Unfortunately, the effects either diminished or were absent in those women who were overweight or obese. To reach that target weight and reap the breast benefits of exercise, doctors recommend anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes of brisk walking daily.