Abstract A80: Physical activity reduces breast cancer risk in African American women

Abstract

Objective To examine the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer in African American women. Design A population-based case-control study was conducted with 199 women (97 cases and 102 controls) from the Washington, DC metro area. A self-report physical activity questionnaire elicited responses on walking for exercise and vigorous physical activity (e.g., running, aerobics, etc.) in the past year. Responses were used to calculate a metabolic equivalent (MET) score [MET-hours/week = hours/week vigorous activity×7+ hours/week walking ×3]. The MET score was categorized into low, medium and high tertiles. Multivariate logistic regression examined the association between physical activity and breast cancer. Results African American women who engaged in vigorous physical activity (> 2 hours/week in the past year) had a 64% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to those who did not participate in any vigorous activity (odds ratio, OR = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.17–0.75). We also found a 64% reduced breast cancer risk in women with a high versus low tertile of total activity (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.16–0.79). For postmenopausal women, vigorous physical activity and total activity (high versus low tertile) also had an inverse relationship with breast cancer (p<.05). Conclusion Data regarding the association of physical activity and breast cancer has been equivocal and lacking for African American women. This study found that modest levels of physical activity reduced breast cancer risk in this group. Targeted efforts are needed to encourage more African American women to engage in physical activity.

A Prospective Study of Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Incidence in African-American Women

“…In the Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experiences Study (CARE) (7), lifetime recreational physical activity was inversely associated with breast cancer incidence, with an odds ratio of 0.75 (95% CI 0.61-0.93) for ≥3 hours/week relative to inactivity based on 1,605 African American cases; the study found no differences by menopausal status. Breast cancer risk was inversely associated with lifetime physical activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women in a case-control study in San Francisco that included 394 African American cases (9) and with recent exercise in two case-control studies that included 88 African American cases (10) and 97 African American cases (11). The only previous findings specific to African American women based on prospectively collected data come from the Southern Community Cohort follow-up study: based on a nested case-control study comprised largely of postmenopausal women that included 374 African American cases, neither recreational activity at baseline nor at ages 30-39 was significantly associated with breast cancer risk (8).…”

“…The results of the few studies of physical activity and breast cancer among African American women are inconsistent (7-11). Data on physical activity in relation to molecular subtype of breast cancer are also sparse and inconsistent (7, 12-19).…”

Compliance With National Nutrition Recommendations Among Breast Cancer Survivors in “Stepping Stone”

“…Several lifestyle factors including participation in physical activity and consuming a healthy diet have been deemed potential protective factors that may help to reduce a woman's risk for breast cancer; alternatively, obesity is considered a risk factor for developing postmenopausal breast cancer. Obesity is also associated with increased risk for breast cancer recurrence and increased cancer mortality 2–5 , increased risk of comorbidities 6,7 and poor quality of life and physical functioning 8,9 . Considering there have been substantial increases in the percentage of the US adult population who are overweight and obese over the years, with the greatest increases observed among African American women 10 , strategies to improve dietary habits among this minority population should be a priority.…”

Breast Cancer Risk and Early Diagnosis Applications in Turkish Women Aged 50 and Over

“…It was observed that the women who exercised applied for the early diagnosis of breast cancer more. Exercise is known to protect people against a number of diseases, including breast cancer (Sheppard et al, 2011). This is important because it indicates that women who exercise are health-conscious.…”