Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer affecting women, accounting for nearly one-third of cancer diagnoses in women in the United States. Therefore, determining environmental and lifestyle risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer becomes essential. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship of physical activity across the lifespan and breast health. METHODS: Four thousand two hundred and ninety-six women participated in this project, an investigation into risk factors that may increase women's chance of developing breast cancer. Participants completed an extensive survey which included questions concerning ethnicity, education, menstrual history, pregnancy history, the use of oral contraceptives and female hormones, breast health screening practices, self and family history of various cancers including breast cancer, smoking history, dietary intake, alcohol consumption, stress level, and the average duration of weekly participation in physical activity between 10 and 15 years of age, 15 and 30 years of age, 30 and 50 years of age, and over 50 years of age. Activity level was categorized as below average, average, above average, or highly competitive, with average equating to approximately 60 minutes of physical activity per week. RESULTS: A chi-square statistical analyses revealed physical activity levels during the 10 to 15 and 15 to 30 year age ranges was not related to the development of breast cancer later in life. However, fewer women who classified themselves as highly competitive between the ages of 30 and 50 developed breast cancer compared to women who participated in less physical activity (P <.05). Similarly, fewer women who classified themselves as highly competitive at over the age of 50 developed breast cancer when compared to women who exercised 60 minutes per week or less (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity between the years of 10 and 30 may not be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer later in life. On the other hand, accumulating greater amounts of physical activity after the age of 30 may decrease the chance of developing breast cancer later in life.