Active women reduce breast cancer risk

CALGARY, Alberta, May 13 (UPI) -- Physically active women are 25 percent less likely to get breast cancer but some benefit more than others, Canadian and Australian researchers say.

The review, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found lean women, especially if they have been through menopause, who play a sport or undertake other physically activities in their spare time have the lowest risk of breast cancer.

Researchers at the Alberta Cancer Board and the University of Melbourne reviewed the literature and analyzed 62 studies looking at the impact of physical activity on breast cancer risk. Physical activity reduced breast cancer risk in all women except the obese and had the greatest impact in lean women, the review said.

The researchers also found the most physically active women were least likely to get breast cancer and all types of activity reduced breast cancer risk but recreational activity reduced the risk more than physical activity undertaken as part of a job or looking after the house. Moderate and vigorous activity had equal benefits.

Women who were mothers, had no family history of breast cancer or weren't white also had a reduced risk of breast cancer.