Amp Wellbeing x Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we unite to support those affected by the disease, raise awareness, and highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. While we often focus on screenings and treatment options, there's another critical aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed: the role of fitness in prevention and recovery. At Amp Wellbeing, we’re committed to promoting a holistic approach to health, where physical activity plays a key role in reducing the risk of breast cancer and aiding recovery for survivors.
Fitness and Breast Cancer Prevention: The Science Behind It
Physical activity does more than just help us stay in shape—it’s a proven method to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. According to Breast Cancer UK, “Being active can reduce your risk of breast cancer by around 20%.” This is because regular exercise helps lower certain hormones and reduces inflammation in the body, both of which are linked to cancer development.
Breast cancer risk is particularly influenced by hormone levels, especially in post-menopausal women. Exercise helps regulate weight and lowers the levels of circulating oestrogen—a hormone closely associated with breast cancer risk. For women after menopause, maintaining a healthy weight through consistent physical activity becomes crucial, as excess body fat can increase oestrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk.
NHS and World Health Organization Guidelines: Achievable Goals
To maximize the benefits of physical activity, the NHS and World Health Organisation recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. While that might sound like a lot, it’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week—an easily achievable goal when broken down into manageable, daily activities.
Regular exercise doesn’t just lower breast cancer risk—it’s an investment in overall health. Physical activity helps reduce the likelihood of developing other chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which can affect cancer recovery. Plus, exercise is known to improve mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression—conditions that are often exacerbated during cancer treatment and recovery.
Fitness During and After Breast Cancer Treatment
For those undergoing breast cancer treatment or recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, staying active may seem daunting, but it can be incredibly beneficial. While these treatments can leave you feeling fatigued and weak, research has shown that regular, gentle physical activity can help counteract these effects by increasing stamina, reducing fatigue, and improving mood.
It’s essential to remember that fitness doesn’t need to be intense or high-impact to be effective. Low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can have a profound impact on recovery. Breast Cancer UK highlights this by noting, “Being active isn’t necessarily about going to the gym for hours at a time. Building activity into your daily routine—like taking the stairs, walking the dog, or doing household chores—can help.” For many, even small movements and stretches can make a meaningful difference in their energy levels and mood.
Simple Ways to Stay Active and Healthy
Staying active is easier than you might think. Whether your goal is to reduce your breast cancer risk or to aid in recovery, you can find fitness activities that suit your current lifestyle and energy levels. Here are some simple ways to incorporate fitness into your daily routine:
1. Walking: A brisk 30-minute walk, five days a week, can meet the recommended guidelines for moderate exercise. Walking is a low-impact option that strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and can be done almost anywhere.
2. Strength Training: Light strength exercises, such as using resistance bands or light dumbbells, can help rebuild muscle and increase endurance, especially for those recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment. These exercises are particularly helpful in regaining muscle strength lost during treatment.
3. Yoga and Stretching: Gentle stretching and yoga not only keep you flexible but also promote relaxation and stress reduction. For breast cancer survivors, certain yoga practices can assist with lymphatic drainage, which is especially beneficial after surgery.
4. At-Home Workouts: If going to the gym isn’t practical or appealing, at-home workouts are a fantastic alternative. Many online platforms offer beginner-friendly workout videos that require minimal equipment, like bodyweight exercises or resistance bands, making it easy to stay active from the comfort of your home.
5. Group Fitness: Joining a group fitness class, either in person or virtually, can provide motivation and a sense of community. Connecting with others, especially those who may have shared similar experiences, can be emotionally supportive and inspiring on your fitness journey.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Your Health Through Movement
Fitness is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. By integrating physical activity into your life, you are taking proactive steps to reduce your risk and improve your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re working on prevention or are in the recovery phase, movement is key. Every small step counts, and it’s never too late to start.
At Amp Wellbeing, we encourage everyone to prioritise fitness—not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but throughout the year. The journey to better health doesn’t require perfection, just consistency. From taking daily walks to incorporating strength training or yoga, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s move toward a healthier future together.
Throughout October, Amp Wellbeing will be donating a portion of our sales to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. Amp Wellbeing is donating 5% of sales of our Pink Leopard vegan suede mat, our Pink Leopard microfibre mat, our Pink Yoga Flow mat and our pink and white 2kg/4kg pair Strength bars. These products are designed to serve as daily reminders to check for lumps and bumps—a small but vital step in protecting your health.
Let’s make this October a celebration of strength, resilience, and the power of movement.
