Exercise and Breast Cancer: Why It Matters for Hemet Seniors

Seniors in Hemet, CA, should be aware that there's a strong link between regular exercise and breast cancer risk reduction. Studies have found that people who exercise regularly have a significantly lower risk of developing this type of disease.

Reducing one's risk of breast cancer is crucial for everyone, but even more so for older adults, as the risk of its development increases with age. As reported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the median age of diagnosis is 63. Almost 20% or one in five of women diagnosed with this disease are over 75.

To that end, our kind and compassionate team at The Camelot, our retirement village offering independent living with supportive services in the "Tree City" of Hemet, CA, put together this guide sharing breast health tips for seniors and insights into the link between aging and activity. 

How Does Exercise Affect Breast Cancer?

The more exercise or physical activity seniors in Hemet, CA, engage in, the lower their risk of developing breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a study found that compared to individuals with the least level of daily physical activity, the risk of cancer development is 26% lower in those who were most active. The researchers also noted that the reduction applies to 13 types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, they established a link between step count and the rate of cancer risk reduction: people who took 9,000 steps a day had a 16% lower risk compared to those who only took 5,000 daily steps. 

As for the mechanisms by which exercise can help reduce breast cancer risk, there are several, one of which is by lowering levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin. While these natural chemicals play vital roles in bodily processes, they can contribute to cancer development if present in excessive amounts.

Regular exercise is also key to maintaining a healthy weight, a factor that not only influences cancer risk but also the overall well-being of seniors. Excess body fat may increase cancer risk by triggering chronic (long-term) inflammation and facilitating hormonal changes (such as estrogen and insulin). It can also promote cancer cell growth.

Can Exercise Reduce Breast Lumps? 

As crucial as regular exercise is to Hemet, CA, senior wellness, it won't reduce the number or size of breast lumps. It can only help minimize one's risk for cancer. Older adults who notice lumps in their breasts should undergo more comprehensive health screenings to rule out cancer. 

It's also crucial to note that exercise doesn't cure cancer, nor will it stop cancer growth. 

Still, many cases of breast cancer are "curable," especially those in their earliest (localized) stages. There are various treatments available, such as:

• Surgery, which involves removing the cancerous tissue
• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy cells to damage cancerous cells
• Immunotherapy, which can boost the immune system to combat cancer
• Targeted therapy, which utilizes medications to fight off specific cancer cells
• Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancerous cells

Is There Also a Link Between Exercise and Breast Cancer Recovery?

Yes!

While regular exercise and overall fitness in retirement won't reduce the size or cut the number of existing breast lumps, it can help people diagnosed with breast cancer in their recovery. As noted by the non-profit resource BreastCancer.org, exercise can help lower the risk of the cancer returning (also called "remission). It can also help alleviate some of the side effects associated with breast cancer treatment, such as:

• Lymphedema (a condition that causes body tissues to swell)
• Depression
• Pain
• Fatigue

Regular physical activity can also help improve the physical health and mental well-being of individuals undergoing or having undergone breast cancer treatment. It can keep their bodies and minds active, which is crucial in coping with the disease and its after-effects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Exercise Should Seniors in Hemet, CA, Get? 

Seniors in Hemet, CA, or anywhere else, for that matter, should aim for 30-minute sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week, or a total of 150 minutes every week. Alternatively, more active and mobile older adults can go for at least 75 minutes of weekly vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. 

What Types of Exercise Can Hemet Seniors Do?

Aerobic activity is ideal for everyone, including older adults in Hemet, CA. It's a form of rhythmic, repetitive exercise that uses the body's large muscle groups. It boosts heart rate and oxygen use. 

Some examples of moderate intensity aerobic activity that seniors in Hemet, CA, can engage in are: brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling, and dancing. If you or your older loved one can do vigorous-intensity activity, consider incorporating running, jogging, swimming laps, fast cycling, or jump roping into your regular exercise regimen.  

What Are the Other Benefits of Regular Exercise? 

In addition to reducing cancer risk, regular exercise can also help seniors in Hemet, CA, minimize their risk of being overweight or having obesity, which comes with many adverse effects, such as an increased risk of chronic diseases. From heart disease to hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and type 2 diabetes, these are some of the long-term illnesses that can result from having excessive body fat.

Regular exercise can also benefit older adults by helping improve their mental well-being. Physical activity can reduce stress and alleviate anxious thoughts. It can also boost mood and provide seniors with opportunities to socialize.

Being physically active can even contribute to optimal cognitive health. It can do so by increasing oxygen and blood flow to the brain, which is essential for its proper functioning. 

Minimize Breast Cancer Risk With Regular Exercise 

The link between exercise and breast cancer risk reduction is undeniable, which is all the more reason seniors in Hemet, CA, should engage in regular physical activity. Besides, exercise brings many other health benefits, from better moods to improved mental wellness and optimal cognitive functions. 

At The Camelot, we provide residents plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. From our daily calendar of physical, mental, social, and cognitive activities and events to our delectable, nutritious, chef-prepared meals and on-site amenities like our heated swimming pool, you or your older loved one can enjoy all these and more in our beautiful and loving retirement village offering independent living with supportive services in the heart of Hemet, CA. 

Speak with us today to schedule a tour!