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Ladies, still can't think of a valid reason to exercise? How about
warding off breast cancer, which will be diagnosed in an estimated 200,000 women in the U.S. in 2004 alone.
In a study published in the April 2004 issue of Cancer Research,
researchers examined over 170 postmenopausal women for one year and
found that those who engaged in consistent, moderate physical activity
experienced a significant decrease in specific female hormones. This
decrease - due largely to a reduction in body fat - in turn lowered
their risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, women that did not
increase levels of physical activity experienced smaller declines or
even increases in those same hormones.
 Conclusion? "Exercise could lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal
women by reducing body fat and ultimately circulating estrogen
concentrations," note the researchers, quoted by Reuters Health.
Still,
the authors note that the link between regular physical activity in
postmenopausal women and lowered incidences of breast cancer remains a
mystery. Regardless of whether you are postmenopausal, the benefits of exercise
for women at every stage in life are undeniable.
To learn more about breast cancer and what you can do to avoid it, check out www.komen.org.
References
1. McTiernan Anne, Tworoger SS, Ulrich CM, et al. Effect of exercise on serum estrogens in postmenopausal women. Cancer Research, April 15, 2004;64(8):2923-28.
2. Moderate exercise may cut breast cancer risk. Reuters Health. May 7, 2004.
For more information about women's health issues, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/women.html.
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