Here’s the bottom line: research shows that exercise can lower your risk of breast cancer and also help you cope better with treatment if you’ve already been diagnosed. Numerous studies back this up. On average, your risk reduction is about 12 percent, and that should be significant enough to keep you motivated. But the truth of the matter is that exercise is so much more than that.
We know that exercising helps strengthen your heart and is good for your overall sense of wellbeing. It probably sounds counter-intuitive to be exercising during chemotherapy or undergoing radiation, but getting out and getting some sort of exerciseno matter how hard it seems at the timewill help. Keeping even a little bit active helps alleviate some of the symptoms of chemotherapy.
Read MoreThe great thing is that even if you’re resistant to exercise, it comes in so many different forms that finding one you enjoy can only heighten the positive effects. Hiking, biking, walking, dancing, and other enjoyable activities are all considered exercise, so get out there and find the one that speaks to you! You’ll be glad you did and will feel the benefits of your healthy new-found hobby almost immediately.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.