Physical Activity Levels, Obesity and Breast Cancer
Research also reveals ethnic and racial disparities.
Exercise programs may contribute to reducing not only obesity but also breast cancer risks. While death rates from breast cancer have dropped in the U.S. in the past 20 years, the incidence rate has increased significantly, according to a study of more than 4 million breast cancer patients published in JAMA Network Open (2022; 5 [6], e2216958).
Among the findings were significant ethnic and racial disparities, both in incidence rates and survivorship. The good news is that increased screening is linked with decreased mortality. Researchers noted an association between higher rates of breast cancer with obesity and physical inactivity and recommend more strategies to increase movement, reduce obesity and improve access to screening.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
