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[Physical activity and breast cancer]
1solveig.hofvind@kreftregisteret.no
Summary
Engaging in physical activity, measured in Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) weekly, during adolescence (ages 10-24) may significantly lower the risk of developing breast cancer later in life (ages 51-60).
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Context:
- Physical activity is hypothesized to influence hormonal profiles linked to breast cancer risk.
- Understanding modifiable lifestyle factors is crucial for breast cancer prevention strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and breast cancer risk in women.
- To determine if physical activity in younger years impacts later-life breast cancer incidence.
Summary:
- A study involving 10,513 Norwegian women aged 51-60 assessed physical activity history using Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) scores.
- Analysis of 2,300 women with adequate data indicated that higher physical activity (> or = 15 MET/week) between ages 10-24 was associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.2).
- Despite a small number of breast cancer cases (12), the findings suggest a protective effect of adolescent physical activity.
Impact:
- Provides evidence supporting the role of early-life physical activity in breast cancer risk reduction.
- Highlights the potential long-term benefits of promoting physical activity among adolescents for cancer prevention.
- Suggests a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer that can be targeted through public health initiatives.