Breast Health: Physical Activity

By Heather West, MD – Oncology / Breast Health Team

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  All month long we will provide tips about Breast Cancer prevention and early detection.

Many women ask me, “What can I do to help decrease my risk of breast cancer?”  One of the most important things is regular exercise, sustained throughout your adult lifespan.  The impact of exercise is an area of active research. You see an average risk reduction of 7% with 2-3 hours a week of activity and a 28% reduction for 6.5 hours of weekly activity.   At national conferences focusing on breast cancer, it is often said that one of the nicest things you can do for a woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer is to buy her a dog so she will have a reason to walk every day. #breasthealth