$1 Million Grant to Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) Seeks Answers on Cellular Level
DALLAS – February 10, 2011 – We now know that physical activity both lowers the risk of developing breast cancer as well as improving survival rates for those already diagnosed, but now Susan G. Komen for the Cure® plans to try and find out why.
Komen for the Cure intends to invest $1 million in the Society for Women’s Health Research’s (SWHR) pending effort to uncover how physical activity impacts breast cancer at the cellular level, specifically on breast tissue biomarkers in women with early stage breast cancer.
The Society for Women’s Health Research is a national, non-profit organization widely recognized as a thought leader in research dedicated to improving women’s health through advocacy, education, and research.
A recent review of 41 studies demonstrated a 30 percent to 40 percent lower risk of breast cancer in the most active women compared to the least active and four large prospective studies have now shown a 40 percent to 67 percent reduction in the risk of death in physically active women after they have been diagnosed.
The exact mechanisms underlying the connection between physical activity and breast cancer are poorly understood but early data suggest physical activity may reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, two factors that may promote breast cancer formation.
“If this research can demonstrate that physical activity leads to alterations in these or other tissue pathways, this would help provide important basic information that links exercise to breast cancer,” said Komen President Elizabeth Thompson. “That information could then be used to both direct future research and to develop guidelines for millions of breast cancer survivors and women at risk of developing the disease.”
“By focusing on the relationship between exercise and breast cancer, we can move closer towards a cure,” said Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, President and CEO of SWHR. “The study partnership between Komen and SWHR will hopefully provide women preventative measures they can take to reduce their risk of breast cancer and/or increase their chance of survival if diagnosed with this devastating disease.”
