October is here and the world is turning pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

 

But the global campaign is about so much more than pink-themed decor and festivities.

Since its creation in 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has funded treatments and critical support for both active patients and survivors of breast cancer. The campaign’s pink ribbon is a symbol of hope and a reminder to help prevent breast cancer before it starts.

Along with regular screenings and wellness visits, exercise is a great way to reduce breast cancer risk and improve your overall health. Whether it’s lifting weights in the gym or making a splash in the pool, keeping your body moving can help keep your risk low.

Check out our tips to help you stretch, swim, and step into a more active lifestyle this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk

 

 

Being aware of your unique risk (or risks) for breast cancer is the first step in preventing it.

Many factors such as age, genetics, and family history can play a role in disease development. So it’s important to know which factors apply most to you.

For example, females are at a higher risk than men to develop breast cancer. This risk also increases with age, with most cases found in women over 55.

Having a family history or inheriting specific genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may also lead to cancer-causing cell growth.

But a lack of family history doesn’t guarantee immunity.

Amy Kaufeldt, FOX35 news anchor and breast cancer survivor, says the disease did not run in her family.

“There was really no history of breast cancer in our family, so I wasn’t too terribly concerned about it,” Amy says.

She also wants people to be aware of dense breast tissue as an important risk factor.

“I have dense breast tissue,” Amy says. “And women who have dense breast tissue, that’s half of all women, are more likely to get breast cancer.”

Although some risk factors are inherent, there are still ways to lessen your chance of breast cancer.

 

Exercise and Breast Cancer Risk

 

 

Being physically active isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it can also be your line of defense against breast cancer.

Exercising regularly helps maintain a healthy weight, which is an important part of breast cancer prevention. And there are two types of exercise that can help.

Moderate intensity activities make your heart rate increase slightly, such as taking a brisk walk or swimming gently in a pool. Vigorous intensity activities raise your heart rate more, like running or performing a dance class.

For reducing breast cancer risk, it’s recommended to get at least 2.5 – 5 hours of moderate exercise, or 1.25 – 2.5 hours of vigorous exercise, each week.

Amy knows the value of getting in her workouts, even as a busy mom of three.

“I mostly do workouts at home,” Amy says. “I love to find workout videos and challenge myself to do things and find different people to follow.”

Amy also loves to do Pilates and power walking to help get in her regular doses of exercise.

 

Exercises That Make a Difference

 

 

It’s no secret that staying active can help reduce breast cancer risk. But knowing the right steps to take towards living a more active lifestyle can make it easier to accomplish.

If you’re looking to become more active, start by moving more and sitting less.

Walking instead of driving and taking the stairs instead of the elevator are great, cost-free ways to get in some extra momentum. Only about 2% of people choose to take the stairs when an elevator is available.

Looking for some exercises to try this Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Swimming is an amazing place to start.

At Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC), our three swimming pools make it easy to swim on your own terms. For guided exercise, try our swim lessons and aquatic-based fitness classes available for swimmers of any skill level.

Strength training is also a key part of weight management and reducing breast cancer risk. Aim to get at least two sessions of strength training per week.

The Adam Michael Rosen Fitness Center at RAFC has all the equipment you need to start a new strength training routine – complete with free weights and cable machines.

While breast cancer is out of our control, Amy reminds us, “You can control what you eat and the workouts that you do.”

Overcoming breast cancer has inspired Amy to be more intentional about her health, and she believes her purpose is to inform and help others do the same.

“You are your own best advocate when it comes to your health care,” Amy says. “If you’re not your own advocate, no one else is going to do it for you.”

 

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center

 

 

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let our world-class aquatic and fitness center help you take the next step (or splash) towards a healthier, stronger you.

Enjoy three heated swimming pools as the weather cools down and instructors ready to lift you up towards better health.

And our fully equipped Adam Michael Rosen Fitness Center has everything you need for power walking, strength training, and more self-guided exercise.

Not to mention our fitness classes, including yoga and Pilates, make fitness fun all while helping to reduce breast cancer risk.

“Pay attention to your body and don’t wait on your screenings,” Amy says.

Because, as she says, “You’re worth it.”