JAMA reports results of the Women’s Health Initiative (74,171 women aged 50 to 79 years who were recruited by 40 US clinical centers from 1993 through 1998).
Women who engaged in the equivalent of 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking had an 18% decreased risk of breast cancer compared with inactive women. Slightly greater reduction in risk was observed for women who engaged in the equivalent of 10 hours or more per week of brisk walking. This was true even for women who were overweight.
In addition, nutritional changes can be made which have been shown to prevent breast cancer, and in some early studies, have been aimed for treatment.
Post menopausal women who develop breast cancer more often have had diets high in saturated fats; low in fruits and vegetables; and inadequate in selenium, a mineral you can find in Brazil nuts! Other dietary changes are important too. Dr. Susan Love has reviewed herbs for breast cancer.