Annually we remember at this time in which the celebrated World Day Against Breast Cancer, there are many benefits to physical exercise regularly. One of these benefits is precisely the exercise, combined with healthy habits, is a measure that can help prevent and treat breast cancer.

Exercise as a protective factor against cancer

In several types of cancer, there is evidence that exercise acts as a factor which reduces the risk , so that an active life is always a recommendation. But in the case of breast cancer, the recommendation is the practice of physical activity of moderate to intense more than 3 hours a week , as in this case studies have shown that these women reduce the risk of breast cancer among 30 and 40%.

It is a truly shocking fact: the possibility of achieving such a high reduction with a cheap and easy to implement as it seems worthy of all possible dissemination. Similarly, the sedentary lifestyle, and other risk factors such as overweight or toxic habits (snuff, alcohol, poor diet) that cause the onset of disease, also increase the risk of getting certain cancers, such as breast.

Therefore, we recommend maintaining healthy habits and reduce physical inactivity. As for the exercise, more than 3 hours a week is the same as saying 30 minutes of exercise a day, which falls within the usual recommendations on the minimum physical activity to be performed.

And speaking of moderate or intense exercise, we are talking about more than just walking or climbing stairs. This type of exercise refers to collective fitness classes, fitness exercise (body weight, weight …), exercise HIIT … In short, exercise involving some effort and, therefore, encouragement for which is done

Physical exercise in the treatment of breast cancer

With the problems arising from cancer (malaise, fatigue, tiredness …) the person tends to reduce physical activity. It is weak, tired, fragile … And that can lead to making the wrong decision to give up physical activity.

As we have seen, exercise is important for prevention. Well, so it is for the treatment of cancer, as in the case of breast cancer, where exercise helps from the initial stages. Of course, it should be customized and applied by professionals who know the person and work in the field of breast cancer, so we recommend going to physiotherapists specialized. The dose should be adapted and reduce, but not eliminate the physical activity of the person suffering from breast cancer.

Work the mobility of upper limbs is very important, especially if there mastectomy. This type of intervention has known problems, as is the high risk of lymphedema. In this case, the early physical therapy (a few days after the operation) helps reduce the probability of occurrence of lymphedema and if it appears, reduce their consequences, so it is important to be aware that this type of treatment they are effective, and should be made as soon as possible to avoid future problems. Also adapted physiotherapy and exercise work for a problem that may occur, called axillary cord syndrome.

In more advanced stages, where the disease is already controlled and the person can lead a normal life, exercise remains a tool to prevent relapse and to maintain the quality of life, self-esteem and promote wellness. It can be jogging, biking, skating, exercise with loads …

Therefore, we do not get tired of saying it. Exercise is health and, in the case of cancer, is a prescribed treatment and a necessary (not a whim or a luxury). We therefore recommend attending professionals to learn and get moving early, because exercise has many indications and very few (almost none) contraindications. Of course, there are precautions, and must be adapted to the individual and the stage of the disease, so the need to go to specialized centers.

And ye: some knowledge the benefits of exercise and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer? We ask you to help us to disseminate information.