My AccountHave you ever thought about why physical activity is a healthy practice? Within the broad concept of health, this means that practicing exercise favors physical and mental well-being, makes your body function better, increases your physical endurance, prevents diseases or reduces its harmful effects, among other things.
One of the diseases that is prevented or has its negative effects mitigated by physical activity is cancer. Although more research is needed to clarify the relationship between diet, physical exercise and cancer prevention, several studies have already shown that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the incidence of cancer. Here we will talk specifically about breast cancer. Find out more!
How can physical activity prevent breast cancer?
As mentioned, the relationship between physical exercise and breast cancer prevention has been the subject of different studies and hypotheses, and because it is a multifactorial disease, this relationship is not exact, as it does not alter genetic predisposition, for example. What we can say is that in all the experiments carried out so far, a certain amount and intensity of physical activity interferes with the likelihood of developing cancer or not.
One of the theories for this is that physical exercise affects the breakdown of estrogen, which contributes to reducing breast cancer, especially in the case of post-menopausal women. Another possibility, supported by physical educator Bruno Gion, Albert Einstein Hospital, This would strengthen the immune system, preventing predisposition to the generation of neoplastic cells, thus reducing the likelihood of cancer developing.
Although it cannot be said that physical exercise is a guaranteed protective factor 100% against breast cancer, according to the Dr. Domingos, Recent research has shown a 14% reduction in the possibility of developing breast cancer in women who walked for an hour a day and a 25% reduction in women who practiced more intense activities, such as running and swimming, for more than ten hours a week.
How much exercise is ideal to prevent breast cancer?
Based on an interview with physical education professional Bruno Gion, the Gazeta do Povo concluded that moderate-intensity physical activity, performed in three 10-minute blocks per day, reduces the risk of developing breast and cervical cancer by up to 20%.
As well as preventing cancer in people who have never had the disease, physical exercise can also reduce the risk of the cancer returning. According to French oncologist Thierry Bouillet, Three hours of brisk walking a week can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning by 50%, as this minimal amount of exercise is able to lower levels of estrogen and leptin, which contribute to cancer growth.
In any case, it's important to remember that everything we subject our bodies to, especially with a view to preventing and treating illnesses by means other than medication, takes time to have its effects consolidated. Therefore, constant physical activity is necessary and started as soon as possible!
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