How a Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Your Risk for Breast Cancer

We now know that getting enough physical activity is essential to support good health. Exercise is associated with a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and more. 

But are you aware that increasing evidence is showing how an inactive, sedentary lifestyle is associated with a greater risk of developing breast cancer? 

As a highly skilled general surgeon, Dr. Luis Quinones at Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, has expertise in performing breast surgical procedures and is highly attuned to breast cancer risk in women and the importance of preventive screenings like mammograms. He’s a committed partner in care for all the patients he treats.

Being active lowers your breast cancer risk

Much research has shown a startling correlation between being physically active and a lower risk for breast cancer, but a particularly compelling one that was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirmed again that activity levels influence the development of breast cancer. 

The study concluded that higher levels of physical activity and reduced time spent sitting are thought to lower breast cancer risk. 

An international research team sourced data from 76 studies that included a pool of nearly 131,000 women (some who had invasive breast cancer, some who had localized tumors, and some who didn’t have breast cancer), and a striking study finding stood out. 

In addition to results that showed a reduction in breast cancer risk for exercisers, researchers learned that sitting time may increase a woman’s breast cancer risk by up to a shocking 104%. 

Even more worrisome was the fact that this increased risk was particularly associated with breast cancers that were more aggressive and had poorer outcomes.

Many say that sitting is the new smoking. This is because prolonged sitting, like many of us do in our offices during the day and in our homes at night binging on Netflix, is also associated with brain changes and the thinning of a part of your brain that plays an important role in formulating memories. It also contributes to decreased hip mobility, which increases fall risk. 

Up your activity to reduce your likelihood of breast cancer 

To get the recommended amount of physical exercise in, try to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity five times per week and at least twice-weekly strength training sessions. 

These goals are doable and meeting them sets you up for improving your overall health, as well as your breast health.

Since most of us work in offices, try to counter the effects of all that sitting by:

• Moving around hourly
• Standing while you make phone calls
• Doing things that don’t seem like exercise, like gardening and cleaning
• Opting for the stairs rather than the elevator
• Parking further away from building entrances

There are many other easy ways to fit more activity into your day and lower your risk for breast cancer. Don’t forget to complement movement with eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing your stress well, and getting enough rest. 

Along with taking good care of yourself by moving more, don’t forget to get your mammogram and stay attuned to symptoms that may point to breast cancer, like nipple discharge, lumps, skin changes, rippling or a change in the appearance of your breast, and pain or swelling. Be alert, too, of any changes in your breast’s shape or size. 

If you’re experiencing any breast cancer symptoms, we advise you to get certain testing done, which may include a mammogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bloodwork, or a sophisticated needle biopsy that’s guided by ultrasound.

We also provide breast cancer risk assessments where we analyze a range of risk factors. In addition to examining how active you are, we look at whether you started your period before age 12 or had a child after age 30, if you’re BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive, how much alcohol you consume, and your breast tissue density level.

Dr. Quinones also speaks with you about your family history and whether your weight is within a healthy range. When he has gathered all your test information, he’s able to advise you on the best next steps for you.

You’re in great hands at Q&S Surgical. We want to support your breast health and provide you with the most advanced care possible. To schedule an appointment, call our office today or click online to book anytime.