Exercise and breast cancer are deeply connected; staying active not only boosts recovery but also lowers the risk and improves overall well-being. Cardio and strength exercises, such as dancing, running, walking, pushups, and squats, help build immunity and resilience--key factors in seniors' fight against breast cancer.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel, as reported by Healthline, suggest that consistent aerobic exercise, particularly running, could lower the risk of cancer by up to 72%. Communities like Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant, located in Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641, support senior women's wellness by offering engaging activities such as group walks and morning exercise classes.
Our compassionate staff and wellness programs provide breast cancer education, empowering seniors to take proactive steps for their health. Keep reading to learn the connection between movement and cancer risk.
For breast cancer patients, avoiding certain actions can protect their health, improve treatment outcomes, and support overall well-being. Ensure that you don't:
Skipping medical treatments in favor of unproven alternatives allows breast cancer to progress unchecked. Eating fresh, nutrient-rich whole foods helps support resilience and aid recovery. Alcohol and smoking suppress immune function, which can worsen prognosis after a diagnosis.
Ignoring feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression can increase the risk of burnout and lower the quality of life. This can potentially accelerate the progression of breast cancer.
Walking may seem simple, but it's one of the most effective healthy aging strategies, especially for lowering the risk of cancer. However, it becomes more difficult over time because of:
Despite these challenges, Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant plays a vital role in keeping residents active and lowering cancer risk. Our amenities, including spacious apartments and scenic walking paths, encourage both indoor and outdoor walking for our residents.
Exercise is a powerful tool for healing when navigating breast cancer treatment and recovery. Here are a few activities that promote both physical and memory care fitness support for breast cancer patients:
Some ideal gentle strength training exercises for breast cancer patients include:
Treatment-related hormonal changes in breast cancer patients weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This exercise helps maintain and even increase bone density, lowering the risk of fractures.
Seniors with breast cancer can consider:
These walking exercises help boost energy and reduce cancer-related fatigue. They also cause the body to release endorphins, helping alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression.
Some ideal yoga exercises for cancer patients include:
Many breast cancer patients experience stiffness, reduced range of motion, or lymphedema following treatment. Gentle yoga movements can gradually restore flexibility without overexertion by improving circulation and enhancing mobility in the shoulders and chest.
Water provides buoyancy, which reduces impact on joints and surgical sites. This allows for safe and effective movements.
The repetitive arm movements involved in this exercise promote flexibility in the shoulders and chest. These are the areas often affected by surgery or radiation.
Regular aerobic activity reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. This improves long-term survival in breast cancer patients.
Regular exercises help lower the risk of breast cancer in senior women by:
As an older adult, choose activities that align with your balance, joint health, and physical abilities. This will help you avoid injury while staying consistent.
The body often begins to show signs that it's preparing to shut down when breast cancer progresses to its final stages. Recognizing these signs helps caregivers and families better understand what older adults with advanced breast cancer experience and how to provide comfort, support, and dignity.
Some signs may indicate that a breast cancer patient's body is shutting down, including:
MedicalNewsToday reports that, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), most individuals diagnosed with breast cancer live for at least 10 years following their diagnosis. Breast cancer that has spread to distant sites has lower survival rates compared to cases that are localized or confined to regional areas.
Breast cancer progresses through multiple stages, which include Stage 0-1, Stage 1-3, and Stage 4. The final stage is the most dangerous, as the cancer spreads and metastasizes to other parts of the body, it lowers the survival rate.
Common symptoms in the first stage include:
Exercise and breast cancer are closely linked, as regular physical activity can lower breast cancer risk and improve quality of life for seniors living with the disease. Cardio and strength training exercises offer multiple benefits that can reduce breast cancer risk, including regulating hormone balance, managing stress, and lowering excess body fat.
At Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant, we offer amenities and programs, including restaurant-style dining, engaging activities, and walking paths, to promote residents' physical activity and well-being. Executive Director Joseph Jones describes our community as the best he has ever experienced and looks forward to welcoming you to Addington Place.
Let us help you age actively and thrive.