Breast cancer affects the breast tissue and is the most common type of cancer after skin cancer in the U.S., according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms might include nipple discharge, peeling skin, redness and a lump felt beneath the surface of the skin. After a breast cancer diagnosis, you should speak to your doctor about how to stay active. Find out if there are any limitations on the activities you can perform due to your treatments for the disease.
Significance
Women who exercise have an increased rate of survival after diagnosis of breast cancer, according to a 2009 edition of the journal "Breast Cancer Research." Four studies reported a decrease in the mortality rate of women who were physically active. It is believed that the insulin and estrogen pathways are affected during physical activity, and this helps prevent cancer-related deaths.
Considerations
Not only does physical activity improve breast cancer survival, but it can also help relieve symptoms associated with the disease and treatments required to cure the cancer. When you exercise, you can reduce fatigue, improve psychological outlook and also enhance your quality of life.
Time Frame
As long as you don't have any physical restrictions due to your breast cancer treatment, you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days or more per week. Moderate intensity exercises might include brisk walking, cycling, step aerobics and swimming. You might want to add some light weight training activities to your workout routine as well to build lean muscle mass and improve strength.
Potential
According to a May 2007 study printed in "The New England Journal of Medicine," breast cancer risk is reduced when you are physically active. It is speculated that this occurs because hormones and energy balance are affected when you exercise. Pre-menopausal women experienced the greater reduction in breast cancer risk due to increased physical activity.
