International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe – including yourself! But it’s also a time to reflect on important issues affecting women today – such as the gender pay gap and access to quality child and healthcare – and to work toward combating these challenges. One of these is breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women in Germany. And now, you can support this important cause simply by heading to the gym! Read on to learn how.
Check in to support the Pink Ribbon Foundation
This International Women’s Day, we’re partnering with Holmes Place and the Pink Ribbon Foundation to support those fighting breast cancer. On March 8, Holmes Place, together with Urban Sports Club, will donate one euro to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every on-site check-in at over 14 locations in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Essen, and Lübeck.
But there are other reasons to hit the gym this International Women’s Day. Read on to learn about how exercise and a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cancer, and improve your prospects if you’ve been diagnosed.
Breast cancer – the facts
While both women and men can get breast cancer, being born female puts you at a significantly higher risk factor for developing breast cancer, as does getting older. In fact, breast cancer will affect one in eight women in their lifetimes – and over one million people are diagnosed worldwide each year.
Breast cancer will affect one in eight women in their lifetimes
German Cancer Society
However, thanks to early detection, better screening technology, and more effective treatments, 84 percent of those affected can now expect to survive 10 years after diagnosis. But in a world where one person is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, there’s still lots of work to be done.
Sports and cancer prevention
If you’re already active or are planning to get in shape this year, we’ve got great news: physical activity and exercise can greatly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, studies show that regular, moderate exercise can boost your immune system and reduce breast cancer risk by up to 25 percent!
Studies show that regular, moderate exercise can boost your immune system and reduce breast cancer risk by up to 25%.
German cancer society
Exercise also has numerous other health benefits, including helping you maintain a healthy weight. This is particularly important for older women, as obesity is a major risk factor for breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Plus, exercise boosts your mood, improves flexibility, increases muscle mass, and even helps you sleep better – another important factor for staying healthy well into old age.
How sports can help those battling breast cancer
If you do go on to develop cancer, maintaining an active lifestyle can improve your prognosis. Studies show that those who did sports on a regular basis either pre- or post-diagnosis had better outcomes than those who didn’t. For those undergoing treatment, sports can improve mental health, reduce fatigue, and even reduce the risk of recurrence by up to 50 percent. Paddling sports such as canoeing or rowing are particularly beneficial for those battling cancer and cancer survivors because it improves the lymph system – an area often affected in those battling breast cancer.
How often should you exercise?
The German Cancer Society recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise three times per week. For variety, you can switch up your routine, trying a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga or meditation. You can even try a mix of indoor or online courses and outdoor trainings like paddling or swimming. And with Urban Sports Club, there’s always something new to discover, so you can adapt your workout routine to your needs.
Other breast cancer prevention tips
While exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing breast cancer, there are other things you can do to keep your body healthy. Eat a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables – this will help you maintain a healthy weight and flood your body with the vitamins it needs to stay strong. Avoid alcohol – or if you do decide to drink, limit yourself to one drink per day. Lastly, make sure that you do regular cancer screenings, both independently and with your gynecologist.
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