Exercise and Breast Cancer: What Manitowoc Seniors Should Know

Exercise and breast cancer are closely linked since engaging in regular cardio and strength training can help reduce the risk, particularly for seniors. Exercise lowers the risk of this cancer in older adults by supporting weight management, regulating hormones, reducing stress, improving metabolic health, and strengthening the immune system.

A 2016 review of 38 cohort studies, cited by the NIH National Cancer Institute, found that women who were most physically active had a 12% to 21% lower breast cancer risk compared to those who were least active. Unfortunately, many seniors living alone are physically inactive due to isolation, loneliness, and declining health.

As a senior in Manitowoc, consider moving to LakeHouse Manitowoc. Located in Manitowoc, WI 54220, our safe and comfortable environment supports assisted living fitness. Explore the connection between movement and cancer prevention.

What Are 5 Surprising Facts About Breast Cancer?

In many cases, the symptoms of breast cancer go unnoticed. That's why learning surprising facts about this disease is important for recognizing subtle signs and seeking early treatment for better outcomes.

These facts include the following:

Not all breast cancers start with a lump
Most breast cancers occur in people with no family history at all
You don't need training to perform a breast self-exam
Regular checkups are effective at any age
Your risk increases if you have a male relative with breast cancer

Assisted living communities offer support along with aging and health education, ensuring residents stay informed about important facts. Wellness programs, primarily led by professional health and wellness teams in these communities, monitor residents to help them adopt lifestyles that lower their risk of breast cancer.

What Are the Five Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?

Recognizing the early warning signs of breast cancer enables seniors to detect it sooner, improving their chances of survival. Breast cancer is often easier to treat in its earliest stages, with less invasive options and more successful outcomes.

Recognizing early warning signs also makes it easier to adopt effective senior wellness strategies for managing breast cancer. As a senior, seek medical evaluation immediately if you notice these warning signs:

A firm, marble-like lump beneath the breast skin
Any alteration in the breast shape, size, or appearance
Discoloration, including purple, red, or darker tones on the breast or nipple
Dimpling, scaling, inflammation, or puckering of the skin on the breast or nipple
A lump, which may be as small as a pea or much larger

Exercise and Breast Cancer Risk Prevention

As a senior, you don't need intense workouts to lower your risk of breast cancer. Some cardio and strength training exercises that reduce breast cancer risk include:

Walking exercises
Wall push-ups
Chair squats
Tai Chi
Gentle yoga
Strength training with resistance bands
Stationary or outdoor cycling

Supporting Weight Management

Excess fat in the body leads to increased production of estrogen and insulin levels. These factors fuel the growth of cancer cells, which cause breast cancer. Regular exercise lowers breast cancer risk by increasing calorie burn and gradually reducing body fat.

Regulating Hormones

Imbalanced levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Regular physical activity reduces body fat, which in turn lowers estrogen production by fat tissue, helping to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Physical activity improves muscle glucose use, lowering insulin and insulin-like growth factors. This limits cell growth pathways associated with breast cancer.

Reducing Stress

Chronic stress increases the levels of cortisol. This stress hormone can:

Suppress immune function
Disrupt normal cell repair
Create an inflammatory environment in the body

These changes can raise the risk of abnormal cell growth, potentially contributing to the development or progression of breast cancer. At LakeHouse Manitowoc, we provide memory care support to seniors struggling with anxiety disorders, chronic stress, or depression. Our community also fosters socialization, which helps seniors overcome loneliness and isolation--key contributors to emotional challenges.

Strengthening the Immune Function

A weakened immune system allows precancerous or cancerous cells to grow unnoticed. It also triggers inflammation, which promotes tumor growth, causes tissue damage, and leads to hormonal changes--all factors that contribute to breast cancer. Consistent moderate exercise supports immune resilience by improving blood circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can Exercise Benefit Cancer Patients?

Breast cancer symptoms like bone weakness and pain often lead to increased inactivity in seniors. Low-impact exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.

This improves balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Exercise also boosts endorphin production, improving the mood of seniors with breast cancer.

Why Is Left Breast Cancer More Common?

Biological factors, like the left breast being slightly larger, may make cancer more common in that breast. The left breast is closer to the heart and chest wall, and historically, it has been more affected by certain radiation treatments or environmental exposures.

Other factors that make left breast cancer more common include differences in:

Hormonal activity
Blood flow
Tissue density
Lymphatic drainage

Is Breast Cancer Hereditary?

Most breast cancers occur randomly and are not associated with family history. A mix of age, lifestyle, and environmental factors often influences the sporadic cases. However, inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes usually cause a small number of hereditary breast cancer cases.

How to Know if Breast Cancer Has Spread to the Bones?

It can also cause unexplained back pain or neck pain. Bone pain, which is often worse at night, can indicate that breast cancer has spread to the bones. Unexplained pain in the back or neck can sometimes be a symptom of breast cancer.

Other signs include:

High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
Frequent bone fractures
Weakness or numbness in the legs and arms

Exercise and Breast Cancer: Staying Active for Healthy Aging

A deep connection exists between exercise and breast cancer prevention. Cardio and strength training help lower breast cancer risk, manage symptoms in patients, and prevent recurrence after treatment.

At LakeHouse Manitowoc, we offer comprehensive amenities, including engaging activities, a pet-friendly environment, spacious apartments, and stunning gardens that encourage residents to stay active. Our weekly calendar features engaging and fun activities, such as Wii bowling, bingo, bean bag toss, and horse racing.