Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention

Background: Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer-related deaths in women, worldwide. Several factors are associated with the development of breast cancer. Amendable factors include diet and physical activity and some factors such as race, age, family history and genetics are notmodifiable. Physical inactivity is associated with obesity breast, colon, kidney, and digestive cancer. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of physical activity on breast cancer prevention. Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching the following databases: PubMed, Google scholar, Science direct and Scopus. The search terms used are Physical Activity, Breast Cancer and Cancer Prevention.Findings: There is supporting evidence that physical activity is involved in breast cancer prevention.Proposed mechanisms include multiple biologic pathways such as adiposity, sex hormones, inflammation and immune function. In addition, physical activity may reduce risk by modulation of adipokines production through reducing fat mass. Finally, exercise reduces insulin-like growth factor-I levels and increases insulin sensitivity. According to findings, physical activity may help to protect against breast cancer.Conclusion: The evidences are convincing that physical activity is one of the main strategies to promote women s health and reduce breast cancer related death. Future research are needed to provide more clarity regarding the type, intensity, and timing of activity that relate to breastcancer risk reduction and the effects of physical activity on proposed biomarkers to breast cancer risk.

Keywords:

Physical Activity , Breast Cancer , Prevention