Breast cancer: What sport can do

The diagnosis is a shock for those affected: breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Luxembourg. Currently, one of eight women falls ill with breast cancer in the course of their lives – this corresponds to an average risk of around 13 percent.

In other words, the chance of developing no risk of breast cancer is around eight to one. Recent research results show that movement can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. And not only that: in the event of a breast cancer, moderate sport can improve the forecast and the condition.

Movement lowers the risk of breast cancer

The bad news is: breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, there is also good news: If women live healthy and consciously, they can reduce their risk of breast cancer. Women should pay attention to these points to prevent breast cancer:

• Keep or strive for normal weight, especially after menopause

• No – or only a little – drink alcohol

• Do not smoke

• Avoid hormone replacement therapy if possible

• Avoid type 2 diabetes mellitus by a healthy diet and a healthy body weight or treat an existing disease accordingly

• Food a balanced diet – means a lot of vegetables, fruit and fiber as well as little meat and low fat

• Move regularly

As studies show, movement is a necessary protective factor: According to studies, women who exercise regularly have a reduced risk of breast cancer, depending on the duration of the training and intensity.

« Three to five hours of moderate movement per week are the recommendation, » says Susanne Weg-Remers from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. Alternatively, 75 to 90 minutes a week can be physically trained.

A combination of strength and endurance training has proven to be particularly effective- supplemented by exercises to improve mobility and coordination. After strength training, a sufficient regeneration phase is essential so that the body can recover.

Why sport is preventive against cancer

Why movement can reduce the risk of cancer is unclear. This is mainly due to the fact that tumor growth is influenced by extremely complex processes. However, it is clear that movement affects almost all organ systems – and also on the brain.

This affects numerous factors that can be involved in cancer development. In this way, physical activity promotes blood circulation in the entire body and strengthens the immune system – both contribute to complicit the growth of cancer cells.

What sport can do with cancer

With regular exercise, breast cancer patients can help improve their well -being during and after cancer therapy. And study results also indicate that sport may reduce the risk of relapse. What movement can do with breast cancer treatment:

• Relieve side effects:Sport supports typical side effects of chemotherapy or hormone therapies such as chronic exhaustion, sleep disorders or depressive moods.

• Get physical performance:Movement strengthens muscles, endurance and mobility – this makes everyday life easier as a breast cancer patient and increases the quality of life.

• Reduce the risk of relapse:Studies suggest that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of recurring the disease.

• Strengthen the immune system and metabolism:Sport promotes blood circulation, improves the sugar metabolism and can have an anti -inflammatory effect – all factors that can also influence tumor cells.

• Promote mental health:Movement increases well -being, reduces stress and can strengthen self -confidence – especially after physical changes such as surgery or chemotherapy, this is of great importance.