Seniors who want to lower their breast cancer risk should get regular exercise, as it can regulate hormones, manage weight, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system. Physical activity is good for breast cancer recovery too, as it can ease side effects, boost energy, and improve emotional well-being.
According to a study done by Kim et al., published in Nature Magazine, globally, the rates for breast cancer are increasing by 1-5% each year. By 2050, new cases and deaths will have increased by 38% and 68%, respectively.
The good news is that there's a link between exercise and breast cancer, meaning that we can decrease breast cancer cases rather than increase them. It's not a guaranteed way to prevent the disease, but it can definitely lower your chances of developing it.
Here's what seniors in San Ramon, CA should know.
Yes, exercise can fight cancer, including breast cancer. However, you should note that physical activity can't "cure" cancer.
Yes, physical inactivity is considered a risk factor. If you spend too much of your time sedentary, then you may experience:
In addition, inactivity can contribute to higher levels of circulating estrogen and insulin, and these can stimulate cancer cell growth.
If you get regular physical activity, your cancer risk will go down. Here are the ways that exercise helps with breast cancer prevention.
First, it can aid in hormone regulation. Exercise reduces circulating estrogen and insulin, and this lowers the chances of tumor development.
Also, you'll have better weight management (obesity is a known risk factor). Staying active helps control body fat, too, and this reduces the estrogen in your body.
In addition, physical activity reduces inflammation, which can create an environment where cancer thrives.
Lastly, you'll get boosted immunity. Your body will be better at detecting and destroying abnormal cells.
You may already do or are considering doing aerobic exercise for health reasons. But you'd be surprised to know that it's also good for those undergoing treatment or who are in remission.
Exercise can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as:
Also, what's amazing about physical activity is that it improves circulation. As a result, your body will process medications and heal more efficiently.
There are emotional benefits too. You'll experience lowered anxiety and depression levels.
Because you're an older adult, plus you're going through breast cancer, not all exercises will be optimal for you. Here are our recommended wellness activities for seniors, especially those who are cancer patients.
First is walking, which is a low-impact exercise that's very accessible. It can improve your heart health and stamina. For something gentler on your joints, consider water aerobics, as it can give you a full-body workout in a gentle way.
For support with balance, flexibility, coordination, and relaxation, these are optimal:
You should do a little strength training, too. Using light weights or resistance bands can help you maintain muscle mass and bone strength.
Exercise can definitely be safe for cancer patients, but only if you're prepared and educated. Here are our top tips to ensure your safety and comfort:
Exercise itself won't directly shrink or eliminate breast lumps. But what we do know is that regular physical activity can reduce hormonal fluctuations, and this lowers the risk of developing certain types of lumps that are related to breast tissue changes.
You should always consult with your doctor if you notice a new lump.
The most important thing is not to push your body beyond its limits, especially if it's regarding strenuous activities that strain surgical sites. Other things you shouldn't do are:
It sounds counterintuitive, but yet, exercise can help with breast cancer fatigue. Light to moderate exercises (such as walking or yoga) can boost:
According to the National Cancer Institute, regular exercise may improve survival for women with breast cancer. Since it enhances immune response and reduces recurrence risk, physical activity is always excellent to do. It contributes to overall long-term wellness, too.
Yes, with proper guidance. The strength training benefits for seniors who have survived breast cancer include rebuilding muscle mass lost during treatment and improving bone density.
Make sure you start with light weights and increase them gradually to avoid injury.
The CDC says that adults 65 and over should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. Or you can get 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week instead. These amounts should be effective for breast cancer prevention.
Exercise and breast cancer studies have shown that seniors who are sedentary have a higher risk of developing this disease. Plus, when you're inactive, you can experience many other health issues, which aren't pleasant.
So do yourself a favor and make your golden years better by making regular physical activity a top goal. Not only can it make you feel better both physically and mentally, but it can also possibly save your life!
At Discovery Commons San Ramon, we offer a pet-friendly environment where residents and their beloved animals can enjoy a dynamic community life calendar. Get in touch with us now to discuss senior living in San Ramon, CA.