Accumulating scientific evidence has shown that exercise reduces
risk for many types of cancer, but the mechanism involved has not been well
understood.
Detail on two decades
of the exercise habits of more than 73,600 postmenopausal women age 50 to 73
was analyzed. Though a few women said they took vigorous exercise, most of the
women walked at a pleasant pace of about 3 miles per hour. The analysis showed that those women who
walked an hour a day had 14 percent less risk of developing breast cancer than
those who walked less than three hours per week.
Those few who were
the most active, sweating vigorously for up to 10 hours a week, had a 25
percent less risk of breast cancer.
"Walking is an
easy, inexpensive type of exercise," said one scientist. "Almost
everyone can do it. And for this population of postmenopausal women, it
provided a very significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer."
In another study on
younger women, women who were sedentary, but began a moderate aerobic exercise
program for 16 weeks found that the ratios of estrogen metabolites in their
urine shifted in a way that is believed to indicate a reduction in breast
cancer risk. The women also lost body fat and gained muscle. Apparently by
altering the ratio of estrogen metabolites and reducing body fat, the chemistry
of a woman's body changes making it difficult for breast cancer to take hold.
Exercise is not the only factor that reduces risk in breast cancer, but a
significant one.
"...physical
activity, and especially walking," said one of the researchers, "are
so simple and so accessible to most women. And statistically, they do seem to
reduce breast cancer risk..."
"Walking, in all
cases where it is possible, is the best remedy for diseased bodies, because in
this exercise all the organs of the body are brought into use... There is no
exercise that can take the place of walking. By it the circulation of the blood
is greatly improved." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, page 78.
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