A big reason why I chose my field of expertise -as both a fitness professional and holistic nutritionist, is to have people realize that our overall level of health is the result of many interacting factors of such as, physical activity (or lack of), diet, environment & stress. Yes genetics plays a part in predisposing us to certain conditions BUT as one of my professors engrained in my mind so wisely: “Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.” So why not make our own health a priority through wise choice and practice–  two factors we have most control over.

This study, being conducted as we speak, is a perfect example of what I am speaking of: Exercise studied as breast cancer prevention

The article in question, published by the CBC, really struck me because just the very fact the the medical community is  starting to look at exercise as an independent factor in disease prevention is pretty new and exciting! I highlight a few key points about this study..

Highlighted points:

Overview

With a study of 400 healthy, post-menopausal women, a Calgary researcher hopes to answer the question of most beneficial exercise load and time for breast cancer prevention. It compares the impact of moderate and high-level exercise regimes on risk factors associated with breast cancer such as body fat and hormone level

Exercise linked to lower breast cancer risk

Many stats are brought forward in this article, including a very important one from The Canadian Cancer Society-  that about half of all cancers can be prevented by factors such as diet and exercise along with healthy lifestyle choices.

groundbreaking study

We will be seeing more reports on this topic surfacing due to the medical community just now really legitimizing the direct effect exercise can have on reducing cancer risks. This study will determine which amount of cardiovascular exercise — either 150 minutes or 300 minutes per week — has the greater benefit.

First of its kind

This study, through Alberta Health Services Cancer Care, is the first of its kind to examine the dose of physical activity needed to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The participants, must exercise for either 30 or 60 minutes, five days per week for one year. The current trial will determine which amount of cardiovascular exercise — either 150 minutes or 300 minutes per week — has the greater benefit.

See the most recent statistical snapshot of cancer mortality rates

This study is 6 months in and I am very excited to see if the results will help propel physical activity forward more as “natural medicine”,  one that helps us feel healthy today, and stay healthy longer! And cheapest drug around a Doctor can prescribe 😉

Feel free email me for any questions/comments on this article or any other post of mine at justine@justgetfit.ca I would love to hear from you!