Women with breast cancer should keep moving...
Researchers of a study published last May in the Journal of the American Medical Association are encouraging women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to keep on moving to improve their survival odds.

It is estimated that women decrease their activity levels by 2hrs per week after being diagnosed with the disease.

The study found that women with breast cancer who exercised or engaged in other physical activity that equated to walking for the equivalent of 1 hr (at the speed of 2 - 3 miles/hr) increased their survival rate.

The "best" amount of time found in this study, indicated that 9 - 15 hrs of exercise/physical activity had the biggest impact, enhancing survival rates by up to 50%. The next best time frame was 15 - 24hrs per week boosting survival rates up to 44%. Exercising for 3 - 9 hrs per week improved survival rates by 20%.

The good news here is that regardless of whether you are active 3 or 24 hrs in a week you could make an impact on your ability to fight breast cancer.

Researchers of the study did note that if women with breast cancer followed the standard guidelines to exericse 5 or more days of the week at moderate intensity (moderate intensity being 4 or 6 on a scale of perceived exertion where 0 = nothing and 10 = the hardest you could go) for at least 30 mins that they would be better their chances of living longer.

Author note: while this study is encouraging for victims of breast cancer, there are many variables to consider when including physical activity & exercise into your lifestyle. Consult your doctor, oncology specialist as well as a certified fitness trainer who has experience in working with cancer patients & survivors.

Diana Rochon, BPE, CSCS, NCCP,IDEA Elite PFT
Director, Dynamic Core Fitness
www.dynamiccorefitness.ca