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Teen Girls' Exercise May Cut Breast Cancer Risk Through Tissue Changes

A new study suggests recreational physical activity during adolescence may protect against future breast cancer risk by altering breast tissue composition and reducing stress biomarkers. Researchers found girls with at least two hours of weekly activity had lower breast density indicators and lower concentrations of urinary stress markers. The findings highlight a critical window during breast development where exercise could influence long-term biological pathways. This aligns with existing research in adult women linking physical activity to lower mammographic density and reduced cancer risk.

Key Points: Adolescent Exercise Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

  • Activity lowers breast density
  • Reduces stress biomarkers
  • Independent of body fat
  • Critical during breast development
  • Aligns with adult study findings
2 min read

Physical activity in adolescence may ward off breast cancer risk later: Study

Study finds physical activity in teen girls alters breast tissue composition and stress biomarkers, potentially reducing future breast cancer risk.

"Our findings suggest that recreational physical activity is associated with breast tissue composition and stress biomarker changes in adolescent girls, independent of body fat, which could have important implications for breast cancer risk. - Rebecca Kehm"

New Delhi, Jan 17

Adolescent girls who actively partake in recreational physical activity can have significant protection against risks of breast cancer, according to a study.

Researchers from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in the US showed that recreational physical activity may be associated with breast tissue composition and biomarkers of stress in adolescent girls.

In the study, girls who reported engaging in at least two hours of recreational physical activity in the prior week, compared with none, had lower percent water content in breast tissue -- an indicator of lower breast density and lower concentrations of urinary biomarkers linked to stress.

The findings, published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, shed new light on how physical activity during adolescence -- a critical period of breast development -- may influence biological pathways related to future breast cancer risk.

"The importance and urgency of this research are underscored by the rising incidence of breast cancer in young women and the alarmingly low levels of recreational physical activity observed both in this study and among adolescents globally," said Rebecca Kehm, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.

"Our findings suggest that recreational physical activity is associated with breast tissue composition and stress biomarker changes in adolescent girls, independent of body fat, which could have important implications for breast cancer risk," Kehm added.

The study aligns with previous research in adult women showing that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower mammographic breast density, a key predictor of breast cancer risk.

During adolescence, participants self-reported past-week engagement in recreational physical activity, including both organised and unorganised activities, and completed clinic visits that included blood and urine collection as well as breast tissue assessments.

The average age of girls in the study was 16 years. More than half (51 per cent) reported no recreational physical activity in the past week. Seventy-three per cent reported no participation in organised activities, and 66 per cent reported no participation in unorganised activities.

The team noted that additional longitudinal studies are needed to determine how these adolescent biomarkers may translate into breast cancer risk later in life.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great research. But in our Indian context, the pressure of board exams and coaching classes from 10th standard onwards leaves zero time for recreation. The system needs to change to value health as much as marks.
A
Ananya R
Finally some science to back what our grandmothers always said - "Go out and play!" Physical activity was part of our culture, but now it's all phones and laptops. Time to bring back traditional games like kho-kho and kabaddi in schools. 💪
M
Michael C
Interesting findings, but the study relies on self-reported data which can be unreliable. Also, an average age of 16 with such low activity levels is concerning globally, not just in India. More objective measures like fitness trackers would strengthen future research.
S
Shreya B
This is a wake-up call for parents and schools. We need to make sports compulsory, not optional. And for girls especially, we must challenge the mindset that they should be "less active" as they grow older. Health is wealth, truly.
K
Karthik V
The stress biomarker connection is key. Exam stress, peer pressure, social media anxiety - our teenagers are under immense stress. Physical activity is a natural antidote. Maybe schools should have mandatory yoga or meditation sessions too.

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