Exercising at least three times per week can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, according to new research.
Experts analysed data from 131,000 women and found "strong evidence" that staying physically active reduced the chance of developing the disease, which is New Zealand's third most common cancer and accounts for more than 600 deaths each year. It's also the most common cancer among Kiwi women.
Richard Beddie, the chief executive of ExerciseNZ - a body that represents the country's exercise industry - said the findings present yet more evidence that exercise is a "wonder drug".
"Exercise is also proven to improve quality of life for cancer survivors who continue physical activity during treatment," Beddie said in a statement on Thursday.
"In New Zealand we are fortunate to have a quality exercise registration body so that medical professionals can safely refer patients to appropriately qualified individuals, as well as being able to work under medical guidance."
High-intensity exercise such as running intervals appeared to be more protective than light exercise, according to the study, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Women who performed vigorous exercise, such as working out at least three days a week, had a 38 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. There was a similar reduction for women who were generally fit and active throughout their lifetime.
The findings were generally consistent across all types and stages of the disease, prompting the researchers to recommend a stronger focus on exercise as a way of warding off the cancer.
Observational studies demonstrate that physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer; however, proving a sedentary lifestyle causes the cancer is another matter.
The researchers drew on previously published studies that had used the vast repository of UK Biobank data on potential genetic explanations for overall predisposition to physical activity, vigorous physical activity, or sitting time.
Reports by Deloitte indicate that a lack of physical activity is costing Aotearoa $2.3 billion annually in lost productivity, $500 million of which is paid for by the health system.
According to the Breast Cancer Foundation, the disease affects one in nine New Zealand women over their lifetime. Nine New Zealand women, on average, will hear the news today they have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
As per the Foundation, overall, 80 percent of people with breast cancer survive 10 years or more (92 percent if detected on a screening mammogram), but more than 650 women are dying of the disease each year.
A woman's chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. Approximately 70 to 75 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over. While diagnoses are less common in women under the age of 40, women in their 20s and 30s can also develop the disease - approximately 6 percent of cases are in this age group.
