How to Prevent Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
In order to understand & prevent something, we first must be able to define it. Breast cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells. Changes which are not normal occur in the cells responsible for cell growth and function. When that happens, these cells begin multiplying and growing in numbers with no control, thus causing the growth of a tumor. Cancer cells can become abnormal in any part of the body, however breast cancer is a primary concern for women of all ages. Breast cancer can effect our wife, mothers, sisters, & friends. They can be at risk for breast cancer & the reason is often unknown. Chances are, someone you know may be at risk. Personally, my mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so the topic of “How to Prevent Breast Cancer” is a particularly interest to me.
Approximately 5-10 percent of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from a parent. Approximately 90 percent of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that occur with the aging process. Either way though, breast cancer is caused by a genetic abnormality. Medical researchers are constantly searching for new ways on how to prevent breast cancer due to in part, its widespread risk. There has been progress in science with finding ways to minimize the risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer. Risk factors like family history cannot be avoided, however there is good news in how to prevent breast cancer…
Exercise has been medically proven to decrease your risk of acquiring breast cancer. Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy wants to teach you how to prevent breast cancer with exercise.
- 6 hours per week is the recommended total amount of exercise. That’s less than 52 minutes per day. Researchers are not yet able to explain the link between exercise and a decreased risk. You have nothing to lose (except poor health) when beginning an appropriate exercise program. If you are not sure what intensity or which exercises to safely perform, you can consult with a Physical Therapist at Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy.
- Activity and exercise plays a positive role in preventing breast cancer in women of all ages.
- An appropriately performed exercise & activity program may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by over 20%.
But wait, there’s more…. research now indicates that activity and exercise can prove a beneficial choice for women who currently have breast cancer too. Research shows that activity & exercise not only elevates the spirit & mood of those with cancer, but can also improve physical function. The stronger your body is, the better it may be able to ward off diseases, including breast cancer.
In addition to an individualized exercise program which Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy can assist you with, women are highly encouraged to perform regular breast exams. These exams take only a few minutes and have been proven to be a very helpful tool in the early detection of breast cancer.
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”
Many medical professionals suggest a monthly exam, performed at the same time each month. This is because hormonal changes can bring variations in the feel of the breasts. A self exam is quick, easy & painless, capable of bringing your attention to changes that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Keep in mind that while trained medical professionals are well-qualified to perform this type of exam, nobody knows your body better than you know your body. The trained medical professionals are likely not going to be able to recognize changes in your body as quickly as you may be able to.
Consult your physician or reputable breast cancer association for more information on self breast exams.
Exercise can be EASY
Start off with some light exercise for only 52 minutes/day. It can be simple. For women concerned about breast cancer, a little bit goes a long way & the exercise can be easy.
Exercise does not have to be very challenging in the beginning. Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy can develop an individualized custom and unique program that takes your individual medical history & personal preferences into consideration to provide the best possible results. We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to establishing exercise and activity programs.
Exercise does gets easier over time. There is no good reason to put off any activity that could help you (or someone you know) conquer breast cancer. Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy understands exercise & how to prevent breast cancer with its use. Our team wants to make it our goal to educate and teach you the most beneficial exercises and methods to win your personal battle with whatever ailment you may have.
You Only Have ONE Body.
Back In Motion, Sarasota Physical Therapy is a specially trained clinic to develop exercise programs that are customized to each individual. Read more about our cancer rehabilitation program cancer rehabilitation program. Our physical therapists can help you get your life back by creating a personalized program to improve your overall health. We have both male and female licensed physical therapists. We are in network participating providers with most Health Insurance plans and are a preferred provider for Medicare in Sarasota Florida. In most cases there is little or no cost to attend physical therapy at Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy. Do not delay. Call us today at (941) 925-2700 and make an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists today. You only have one body. Treat it as such.
