Is exercise the latest 'cure' for breast cancer? (Exercise for Breast Cancer)

After learning that you have breast cancer , and starting treatment, you may find it difficult to even think about exercising, given the fatigue and discomfort you feel. That's very normal. But, after hearing what we're going to talk about today, maybe the way you look at exercise will change completely. What if we think of this as the latest 'cure' for breast cancer? Let's see why.

Does exercise really extend your lifespan?

Research on this has yielded very positive results. For example, a large study conducted in 2021 found that women who exercised for at least 2.5 hours a week , either before or after being diagnosed with breast cancer , had a much lower risk of the cancer coming back (doctors call this ``recurrence'') and therefore a much lower risk of death than those who exercised less.

This story has been confirmed by many other studies like this. However, some experts say that more research is needed to say for sure whether exercise alone is responsible for this benefit, or whether other good habits in the lifestyle of those who exercise (such as a good diet) also have an effect. However, it is clear that there are great benefits to exercise.

Does exercise help with the side effects of treatment?

This is the most important thing for many people. Researchers are 100% certain that exercise is a great way to reduce the side effects of breast cancer treatment .

• Fatigue: Exercise helps reduce the extreme tiredness and fatigue that comes with treatments like chemotherapy.
• Stress and Anxiety: When you exercise, your mind becomes calmer and your stress levels decrease.
• Joint pain: This also helps control joint pain caused by some treatments.

Simply put, exercise improves your quality of life. It gives you the strength to do everyday tasks like doing housework, carrying groceries, and carrying a small child. Also, signs of aging (such as bone loss ) may appear earlier in people recovering from cancer. Exercise can help control this condition, protect your bones, and prevent your body from becoming weak.

Why is exercise so good? What's the science behind it?

Well, what happens inside the body when you exercise? There are several reasons for this.

1. Controlling hormone levels: Some types of breast cancer are influenced by hormones called insulin and estrogen . When you exercise, the levels of these hormones in the body are controlled.

2. Weight control: Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Controlling your weight also helps reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

3. Strengthening the immune system: A recent discovery is that exercise strengthens our body's defenses, the immune system. A strengthened immune system is more capable of fighting cancer cells.

Okay, so how much exercise do you need?

It's hard to give a single answer to this. It varies depending on your physical health, the type of treatment, and the type of exercise you prefer. However, there is a general recommendation.

Organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per week. In addition, it's a good idea to do muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.

The table below contains some things to think about before starting exercise.

Finally, do what you can. Treatment can make you feel very tired on some days. If you can't do a lot of exercise on those days, try to at least walk a little. The most important thing is to set a goal of being active for at least 30 minutes a day, rather than thinking about the results.