One in eight women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime, according to BreastCancer.org. Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women after lung cancer. Breast cancer can also happen in men, but it’s much less common.
Staying active helps reduce the risk of many cancers, including breast cancer. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center:
- Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise helps maintain healthy hormone levels
MD Anderson Cancer Center also recommends sitting less and moving more! This is true even for people who exercise regularly! If you’re at a computer all day, be sure to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour.
Or enjoy using a Tread Desk at work to keep you moving instead of sitting for long stretches.
The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
Other breast cancer risk factors according to MD Anderson Cancer Center include:
- Age
- Family history
- Hormones/childbirth history
- Oral contraceptive use (birth control pills)
- Diet high in saturated fats
- Drinking more than one alcoholic drink a day
Keep moving, eat a healthy diet, and talk with your doctor about the best ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer!