Did you know that being physically active can reduce your Long-Term Risk of Breast Cancer by around 20%?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), recently unveiled the latest evaluations of the global burden of cancer.
These estimates are based on a comprehensive encyclopedic overview of the world's countries in 2022. They shed light on the escalating challenge posed by cancer, particularly highlighting its inequitable impact on vulnerable populations.
Globally cancer remains a formidable adversary, the figures from 2022 highlighting a stark picture. It is counted that there were 20 million recent cases of cancer and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths.
The statistics further reveal that 53.5 million individuals were living within five years of a cancer diagnosis, indicating the enduring impact and survivorship journey that comes with combating cancer.
One alarming statistic that stands out is that approximately 1 in 7 in the UK population will confront a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The burden of breast cancer is not just a numerical figure, but an emotional and physical ordeal that millions face worldwide.
A Path Towards Equitable Breast Cancer Care: Insights from the UK!
Examining the UK data provides valuable insights into the landscape of breast cancer. With approximately 30% of UK women projected to receive a female breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, the importance of preventive measures and early detection strategies becomes essential.
The statistics indicate that 1 in 7 UK females born in 1961, will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, highlighting the pervasive nature of this disease.
Moreover, of the breast cancer cases registered in the UK, 23% are deemed preventable. This statistic underscores the significance of public health interventions, lifestyle modifications, and breast cancer awareness campaigns in reducing the incidence of breast cancer and ultimately mitigating the burden on healthcare systems.
As we navigate the growing emergence of early detection of breast health, here we define trans-disciplinary approaches of regular breast screening to address cancer inequities and support efforts to ensure comprehensive access to quality cancer care services. We can pave the way towards a future where every individual, irrespective of their socioeconomic status or geographical location, has access to comprehensive cancer care and support.
Does being physically active is also linked to reducing the risk of developing breast cancer?
As research continues to discover the many benefits of physical activity on our overall health, it's no surprise that being active is also linked to reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. According to studies, physical activity can help prevent breast cancer in ways not related to weight.
First and foremost, being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can impact your risk of developing breast cancer.
Globally, nearly 39% of adults are estimated to be overweight, while 13% are obese. The World Health Organization determines overweight and obesity measurements are calculated using body mass index (BMI), it's a benchmark of weight-to-height.
Those with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 are referred to as overweight, while those with a BMI of ≥30.0 kg/m2 are classified as obese.
Having a high BMI has been linked to an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer due to elevated levels of estrogen in adipose tissue.
The NHS and World Health Organization's recommendation of physical activity!
However, a healthy weight is not the only way that being active may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Lowering hormone levels and inflammation through physical activity can decrease the chances of breast cancer.
The NHS and World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of average exercise per week, which can be achieved through recreational exercise, active jobs, and chores such as gardening and cleaning. The more physical activity you do, the better.
What is physical activity?
Any form of skeletal muscle movement that requires more energy and burns excess carbohydrates and fats is considered physical activity.
This can include walking, running, jogging, biking, aerobics class, swimming, household duties, gym training, and different sports activities.
The intensity of physical activity can be measured using metabolic equivalents of task (METs), with light-intensity activities spending less than 3 METs, moderate-intensity activities spending 3 to 6 METs, and vigorous physical activity hill cycling spending 6 or more METs.
Close link found in pre-menopausal women and vigorous physical activity!
Studies have shown that the most significant reduction in breast cancer risk is seen in pre-menopausal women who engage in vigorous exercise.
A recent study in the UK revealed that women who were very physically active had a 23% reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and a 17% reduced risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.
Even as little as an hour of walking per week has been shown to improve survival rates in those with breast cancer, with maximum benefits found in women who walked for 3-5 hours per week.
While many lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, being physically active is a great place to start. Not only does physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, but it can also reduce the likelihood of breast cancer developing and progressing.
Even though regular breast screening is also recommended. Euronoxx Medical Group now organising a breast cancer awareness programme, and early detection of breast cancer (malignant) lesions through Koning Breast 3D imaging giving a complete overview of breast health.
This medical device is capable of identifying breast masses, while the Koning 3D scanner can accurately detect stage 0 to 1 cancer and identify small lesions of 2mm in size and 200-micron calcifications with high precision.
Experience no compression, experience no pain. The True Isotropic 3D Image is safe, has low radiation effects, and has a fast scan time of just 7 seconds.
So, doing physical activity in your daily life is key, and even small amounts of exercise can lead to significant benefits, making it a strategy worth investing in for overall health and well-being.
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