Are you looking for an easy, enjoyable way to increase your protection against cancer? Just put one foot in front of the other.
Walking is the new cancer prevention tool
A recent study from the American Cancer Society shows that « walking at a moderate pace for an hour a day was associated with a 14 percent reduced breast cancer risk, compared to leading a sedentary lifestyle. »
The study, published online Oct. 4 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, identified more than 73,000 women past menopause who were enrolled in an American Cancer Society study on cancer incidence.
« The nice message here is, you don’t have to go out and run a marathon to lower your breast cancer risk, » said study researcher Alpa Patel, senior epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society. « Go for a nice, leisurely walk an hour a day to lower risk. »
Those who can handle more strenuous physical activity are encouraged to do so. The study showed that « an hour or more of daily strenuous physical activity was associated with a 25 percent reduced risk. »
This study doesn’t break very much new ground in the field of cancer prevention. All researchers agree that there is a link between physical activity and reduced cancer risk. But it is a terrific reminder of the importance of staying active.
« This is something nearly every woman can do, » said Dr. Laura Kruper, co-director of the breast cancer program at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. »If you get off the couch and walk around, it would help. »