Text Box: menopause. However, the benefit was statistically significant only in women whose tumors were sensitive to estrogen (ER+ tumors). That makes sense, Holmes said, because exercise reduces levels of estrogen in the body. The amount of exercise that was helpful is right in line with what the American Cancer Society recommends for cancer survivors, said Debbie Saslow, director of breast and gynecologic cancers for ACS. Until there are more studies on lifestyle issues and cancer recurrence, ACS advises survivors to follow its Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Prevention. Those recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on 5 or more days of the week, and that for breast cancer risk reduction, 45 minutes or more may be even better. Holmes said women should not think of exercise as a replacement for standard breast cancer treatment. And Saslow said it’s not the only factor that could influence a woman’s survival. “We need to make sure women understand that survival rates for breast cancer are high regardless of whether women exercise or not. Women who are unable to be physically active should not feel that they are harming themselves, and women who do follow the physical activity guidelines have no guarantee against a recurrence” she said. “But that’s true of every drug or intervention”. Exercise is an important part of the recipe for good health. Aim for three hours or more a week. If you’re not exercising now, try to get moving, and build it up over time. Don’t be critical of yourself if you’ve been inactive. You can start moving today. Information for this article was obtained from: Go to the above websites for a more in-depth review of the study Additional resources:

“The sum of the whole is this:  Walk and be happy; walk and be healthy.  The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.”

Charles Dickens

CancerFit Walking Program—www.wellbeyondfitness.com

Walking Well Program—www.livestrong.org

CURE Magazine—www.curetoday.com

Lance Armstrong Foundation—www.spiritedwalker.com

The American Cancer Society—www.cancer.org

A Breast Cancer Website—www.breastcancer.org