In a groundbreaking study published in the Breast Cancer Research journal, researchers have found that teenage girls who engage in at least two hours of physical activity per week could significantly reduce their risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The study, led by Assistant Professor Rebecca Kehm of Columbia University, provides crucial insights into the relationship between adolescent exercise and breast tissue composition, a key predictor of breast cancer risk.
The study involved over 500 teenage participants, with the majority being of Hispanic descent. The findings revealed that more than half (51%) of the participants reported no physical activity in the past week. However, those who had engaged in at least two hours of physical activity had a lower percentage of water content in their breast tissue, which is associated with a reduced breast cancer risk.
“The importance and urgency of this research are underscored by the rising incidence of breast cancer in young women and the alarmingly low levels of recreational physical activity observed both in this study and among adolescents across the United States and globally,” explained Kehm.
The study’s findings align with previous research in adult women, which has shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower breast density and a 20% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to the least active women.
“It is well known that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer and, independently, mammographic breast density also affects breast cancer risk,” said UCL Professor Jayant Vaidya. “By breast density, we mean how opaque the breast tissues are to x-rays. Also, the cancer-predisposing changes are likely to occur when breast tissues are maturing during adolescence, and this could be the best time to take preventive action.”
The study’s authors emphasize the need for further research to determine the long-term impact of these factors in adolescence on breast cancer risk later in life. However, they stress the importance of promoting physical activity early in development, as it not only has the potential to reduce breast cancer risk but also offers numerous other health benefits.