During Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s extremely important that we highlight the benefits of exercise for prevention. Although the causes of breast cancer aren’t fully understood, some treatments are available to reduce the risk in women who have a higher risk of developing the condition than the general population.

It’s been suggested that regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer by as much as a third and can simultaneously improve the outlook for those affected.

Holding a lifestyle that consists of regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet is recommended for all women as it can help prevent many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.

If you’ve been through the menopause, it’s particularly important that you’re not overweight or obese. This is because these conditions cause more oestrogen to be produced by your body, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

To support breast cancer awareness this October, we have compiled a guide on how even just 20 minutes of light exercise a day can help reduce your risk:

breast cancer awareness

Take a Walk

Any activity done for 10 minutes or more that makes you breathe harder and get warmer, while still allowing you to carry on a conversation, is a huge step towards reducing your risk of developing breast cancer. This makes walking the perfect starting point if you’re feeling unsure about increasing your exercise.

Grab a friend and take a stroll around the local park on a crisp autumn morning to boost your mood and elevate your heartbeat. You’ll soon be challenging yourself to walk faster and further with each venture, and to keep you motivated, you can reward yourself at the finish line with a warming hot chocolate.

Couch to 5K

Running is fantastic for weight loss, improving heart and lung function, strengthening bones and giving you a general sense of wellbeing. If you’re a beginner, NHS Couch to 5K can help you gradually work up to running 5k in just 9 weeks.

Although this may sound like a daunting feat, this app is designed to build your strength and stamina up at a comfortable pace with a mix of running and walking. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in-between and a varying schedule for each of the 9 weeks. Take on the challenge to see where it takes you; you could become a full-time runner in no time.

Take a Dip

Swimming is a fantastic all-round activity because you’re moving your whole body against the resistance of the water, keeping your heart rate up. Recreational swimming provides many physical and mental health benefits as it’s a low-impact workout that makes exercise fun and relaxing. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and improve your overall strength, so there’s never been a better time to start.

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness month, please visit Cancer Research UK for help with symptoms, getting diagnosed, and resources.

Our partnership with Salford Community Leisure provides 8 leisure centres across the city of Salford for you to choose from. With fantastic gym, swimming, and café facilities, Salford Community Leisure is a great place to start your exercise journey.