Low fat, more muscle helps women stay healthier
You can wear vuaely size 2 jeans, but if you have less muscle and more fat, the risk of breast cancer is still as high as that of obese people. We should stop being fixated on getting thin, instead focus on exercising to keep our bodies healthy," says Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast cancer specialist and a scientist at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Strength training helps activate muscle groups, release anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer molecules, while improving metabolism, regulating hormones and increasing physical endurance. According to Dr. Obada Obaisi, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Director of Medicine at the RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Rehabilitation Center (USA): Early exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer in young people by up to 52% compared to people who are not active.
Exercising does not necessarily require going to the gym
Strength training does not mean having to go to the gym or own expensive equipment. Just use a can of food, a bottle of water or a body weight to do exercises like push-ups, jumping, and bending is enough to warm up, says Dr. Irene Morae Kang, Director of Breast Cancer Medicine at City of Hope Orange County (California).
Experts recommend maintaining at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, including cardio and strength training. However, exercise is only part of the picture. A comprehensive prevention strategy requires combining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, controlling stress and maintaining a reasonable weight.
We cant control everything, even those who exercise hard, eat regularly and get enough sleep cant avoid all the risks. The important thing is that you are doing your best," Dr. Comen emphasized.
