30 mins of brisk walk cuts breast cancer risk

When I was first dx with bc, I was told it is pointless to think about what caused it. I had some risk factors. I was overweight, my periods started early, and had a late menopause. But I had breast-fed, I never used hormonal birth control or had HRT. So I accepted the fact that getting bc is a crap shoot and I was unlucky.



But this study isn't about the prevention of breast cancer; it addressed the effect of exercise on recurrence rates. One of the reasons I decided it is worth putting up with the side effects I have from tamoxifen is that it reduces my rate of recurrence by about 50%. So if exercise cuts my rate of recurrence by 50% and has beneficial side effects, I want to know. More motivation!

If only it were that easy! I walk our dog (and have done so with previous dogs we have had), for a minimum of an hour a day, between 5-7 days a week, and it didn't do much for me. (I had recurrence after 12 years, despite prophylactic surgery). Have to say though, I think it does help in terms of helping one feel good-a brisk walk in the rain is even better! Am no longer able to walk briskly (but our boxer dog is now 12, so she's not so brisk herself anymore!), but still aim to do 40 mins at least 4 times a week.

I am sorry I don't believe statistics anymore. I walked every day (since I didn't have a car) and enjoyed it .I never smoked etc......My risk should have been maybe 5% because didn't nurse, and I am slightly overweight. My DR said that << My cancer was an accident>> so why to follow all they are saying if you still gonna get it. And no breast cancer either side of my family.

Now my daughters will be on high risk. I am sorry but i no longer believe in for doing certain things or not doing it will prevent BC.

I am sorry ladies for a moment I got angry to my Cancer.

Be Well

 Sheila

I will continue to walk because I enjoy the exercise and it helps me with weight control, but I no longer believe that a healthy lifestyle can prevent bc.  My whole family's response to my diagnosis was disbelief because I'm the most health-conscious member of the family, the most disciplined in terms of exercise and diet.  At least we have good modern screening technology.  My small tumor showed up on my annual mammogram.  Thanks to the oncotype dx testing, I was spared chemo but not spared the cancer drug from hell, Arimidex. 

cp, I read the second article you posted and saw I got the percentages wrong, 40% versus 50%. Sill enough to motivate me; I do know that anything I do can't totally cut my changes of recurrence to zero and it is still a crap shoot if I have a recurrence. But i like to maintain the illusion that my actions have some effect.



The idea of pink treadmills irritates me no end - the commercialization of bc.

I am also  a walker-3 miles a day, 7 days a week, and in the winter, when it is too nasty out, I use a stationary bike.

I do this because I enjoy it and I know it is good for me, but and this is a big but, at 41 I was diagnosed with BC , so I seriously doubt any of it helped "cut my risks" But I will continue with the exercises I enjoy simply because I enjoy it!

Oh and by the way I have been a vegetarian for 12 years, so 8-12 serving of fruits and vegetables a day didn't do the trick either. I have also seen studies on vegetarians having both higher and lower risks. My onc says vegetarians have a lower risk-I guess it is all in how you look at it.