Walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer

Walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer

A study shows walking an hour a day can reduce the risk of breast cancer in post- menopausal women .

The study published in Cancer Epidemiology , biomarkers and Prevention was followed 73 615 aged 50-74 years old who were recruited by the American Cancer Society between 1992-1993 .

They were asked to fill out a health questionnaire and answered questions about how much time is used for active and follow activities such as walking , swimming , and aerobics , as well as how long they are watching television or reading .

Study participants then fill out the same questionnaire every two years between 1997-2009 , quoted by the BBC .

As a result, 47 percent of women said walking is the only leisure activity their . Those who walk at least seven hours a week , have a reduced risk of breast cancer compared with 14 percent who only walk three hours or less .

Dr. Alpa Patel , an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta , Geogia , who led the study says promote walking as a healthy activity in leisure time can be an effective strategy to increase physical activity for post- menopausal women .

" The heavier and longer the activity carried out , would further decrease the risk , " he said .

Baroness Delyth Morgan , chief executive of Breast Cancer Campaign also says that the study shows that our lifestyle plays a role in influencing the risk of breast cancer .

" The challenge now is how do we convert these findings into action and identify other sustainable lifestyle changes that will help us prevent breast cancer , " he said , as quoted by the BBC .