For women, it's never too late to start exercising. Women over 50 who walk for 30 minutes daily can reduce their risk of breast cancer. However, once exercise is discontinued, its protective effect against breast cancer diminishes.
According to a report in the UK's Daily Telegraph on August 11, the latest research indicates that for women, it's never too late to start exercising. Women over 50 who maintain a daily 30-minute walk can reduce their risk of breast cancer. Moreover, researchers found this benefit applies only to women who exercised consistently over the past four years. If they exercised four years ago or younger but failed to maintain it, the risk-reducing effect does not materialize.
A French research team analyzed questionnaire data from nearly 60,000 postmenopausal women. Results showed that women who exercised over four hours weekly in the past four years had a 10% lower breast cancer risk than less active women. However, if women maintained such activity levels five to nine years prior but reduced exercise in the last four years, they did not experience the risk reduction.
The findings were published in the American journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Lead author Agnès Fournier, a researcher at France's Gustave Roussy Institute, stated that even low-intensity recreational activities rapidly reduce breast cancer risk. For instance, walking 30 minutes daily yields significant benefits. However, once exercise ceases, its protective effect diminishes.Fournier stated: "Therefore, postmenopausal women should be encouraged to maintain regular exercise, and those without exercise habits should consider starting, as physical activity can rapidly reduce breast cancer risk."