Sport could protect against breast cancer. Several studies have already established that regular physical activityallowed to lower the risk of breast cancer but also to decrease the risk of dying from the disease. A new study quantifies the duration of exercise after which these benefits are felt.
In the journal JAMA Oncology, Christine Friedenreich, member of Alberta Health Services in Edmonton, Canada shows that postmenopausal women who double their weekly physical activity from 150 to 300 minutes per week reduce their risk of breast cancer.
By doing more sport, women attack their body fat and thus the disease risks associated with obesity.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers followed 400 postmenopausal, disease-free women aged 50 to 74 with a body mass index (BMI) between 22 and 40 (morbid obesity) for one year. The panel was divided into two groups, one trained on a treadmill, the other on an elliptical trainer. Some practiced 150 minutes, others 300 minutes of sport.
The results showed a greater reduction (of 1 kg) of fat mass in the most active women.
“This study provides us with elements to encourage postmenopausal women to do at least 300 minutes of sports activities per week”, concludes Professor Christine Friedenreich, quoted by AFP.
Sport is one of the prevention tips given by doctors against breast cancer. But there are others like limiting or even eliminating alcohol, avoiding bad fats in the diet. It is also recommended to limit exposure to certain household chemicals that can disrupt breast hormonal activity.
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