Walking one hour per day cuts risk of developing breast cancer by 14 pc

A new study by an Indian origin researcher has revealed that women can cut their chances of developing breast cancer by walking for an hour each day.

The American Cancer Society, which commissioned the study, involved 73,615 postmenopausal women, of whom 4,760 were diagnosed with breast cancer during a 17-year follow-up, the Scotsman reported.

It was found that this moderate activity was linked with a 14 per cent lower risk of the disease compared to women who were least active.

Around 47 percent of the women said walking was their only recreational activity and among them who walked at least seven hours per week had a 14 per cent lower risk of the disease compared to those who walked three or fewer hours per week.

The researchers found that women taking part in more vigorous activities for an hour a day had a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer.

Dr Alpa Patel, senior epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, concluded saying that their study clearly support an association between physical activity and postmenopausal breast cancer, with more vigorous activity having a stronger effect.