Aussies to get active to reduce risk of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
October 21, 2014
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the nation’s peak body for exercise and sports science, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), has renewed calls for Australians to get physically active to reduce their chances of developing the life-threatening disease.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said the latest figures released by the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO)* had indicated participating in vigorous exercise for a minimum of one hour per day greatly reduced the risk of developing breast cancer.
“The research took into account 37 studies published around the globe between 1987 and 2013, which represented more than four million women in total,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“It determined that regardless of age or geographic location, regular physical activity could reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer by up to 12 per cent in some instances.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said the study provided a timely reminder that it was never too late to begin exercising.
“Even when regular physical activity is only started later in life, research shows it can still make a difference in reducing cancer risk.”
“Whether it’s heading to the gym, incorporating a walk or run into your daily routine, visiting the local swimming pool or simply riding to work or taking the stairs rather than the elevator, every bit of physical activity helps.”
National Breast Cancer Foundation Director, Research Investment, Dr Alison Butt, said with one in eight Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85**, it was crucial that preventative action was taken to minimise the incidence of the disease.
“While we have limited control over factors like having a family history of breast cancer or being born with a genetic mutation that is linked to the disease, physical activity levels are just some of the things we can manage to minimise the risk of developing breast cancer,” Dr Butt said.
“These things are important for women of all ages, but are particularly crucial for those aged over 50 as this is when the majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with the disease.”
“It’s also important to remember women are not the only ones affected by this disease; approximately 113 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year, so it pays for all Australians to get active and reduce their risk factors.”
Top tips for getting active
• Time poor? Look for opportunities over the course of your average day to squeeze in some physical activity. Lunch breaks often present a great opportunity to head outside and exercise.
• Lacking in motivation? Exercise with a friend or as part of a team — if other people are counting on you to be there, you’re less likely to opt out.
• A little hesitant? Start small — Head out for a half hour walk in the morning and afternoon. You don’t need to run a marathon every day to reap the health benefits of physical activity.
• Not sure where to start? Select an activity that suits your lifestyle. If you’re more of an outdoor person, bypass the gym membership and head outside for a run or a swim at the beach.
For more information about ESSA please visit www.essa.org.au.
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Source
*2014, European CanCer Organisation (ECCO), Physical activity, hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
**2012, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Cancer Australia, Breast cancer in Australia: an overview.
About ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official media spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
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