Exercise and Breast Cancer: What Napa Valley Seniors Should Know

Napa Valley Oct 10, 2025 12:00:00 AM

Exercise is extremely important for breast cancer prevention and recovery. Seniors can incorporate things like walking, stretching, and light strength training into their daily routines to support their overall wellness and to lower their breast cancer risk.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer accounts for around 30% of all new female cancers each year, with an estimated 317,000 new diagnoses in 2025 alone. It's the most common cancer found in American women, and it mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

There's a link between exercise and breast cancer though, which means that there are proactive measures you can take to protect yourself from this disease. Here's what seniors in Napa Valley, CA need to know.

Does Exercise Affect Breast Cancer?

Yes, exercise definitely affects breast cancer. In fact, Breast Cancer UK says that being physically active can reduce your breast cancer risk by around 20%, so it's a key factor in senior cancer prevention.

This is because exercise can:

Improve hormone regulation
Reduce inflammation
Enhance immune system function

Not only can exercise help prevent breast cancer, but it's also a vital part of disease prevention for seniors. So as you can see, older adults must get adequate physical activity for optimal overall health.

How Much Does Exercise Lower Breast Cancer Recurrence?

Whether it's independent living or memory care education, it's essential to know breast cancer facts, including those regarding recurrence. What's wonderful about exercise is that not only does it help lower your breast cancer risk, but it also lowers the chances of breast cancer recurrence.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), women with breast cancer who met the minimum physical activity guidelines both before diagnosis and at the 2-year follow-up after treatment had a 55% reduced chance of their cancer returning. Another finding was that they had a 68% reduced chance of death from any cause compared to those who didn't meet the guidelines at both times.

Those who didn't meet the guidelines before diagnosis but did at the 2-year follow-up after treatment had a 46% chance of recurrence and a 43% chance of death from any cause.

What Not to Do When You Have Breast Cancer?

Yes, it's good to exercise when you have breast cancer, but there are certain limitations, especially as you're going through treatment (and after). You should follow these precautions to ensure that you're in the best health possible and that you stay safe:

Avoid overexertion (don't push yourself too hard)
Skip high-impact or unsafe activities (e.g., running on hard surfaces or heavy lifting)
Be cautious with lymphedema (you may need to modify some upper-body exercises)
Avoid ignoring medical advice

The Role of Daily Movement in Breast Cancer Prevention for Seniors

Whether you're experiencing independent living wellness or have limited mobility, you don't always have to do structured workouts to get daily movement. It can be as simple as:

Gardening
Walking the dog
Stretching before bed

It's important to remember that small lifestyle changes add up over time.

Plus, physical movement can be good for emotional wellness. It can lower stress and anxiety levels, which then indirectly supports your immune system function. As a result, you'll have a better fighting chance against cancer.

Types of Exercises Recommended for Seniors

One of our top assisted living health tips is to get a balanced exercise routine. That way, you can address your health holistically, and you'll have a well-rounded approach to prevention and survivorship.

Our suggestions include:

Aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, dancing)
Strength training (resistance bands, light weights, bodyweight exercises)
Flexibility exercises (stretching, yoga)
Balance exercises (tai chi, heel-to-toe walking)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Seniors With Limited Mobility Still Benefit From Exercise for Breast Cancer Prevention?

Yes, you can still benefit from exercise for breast cancer prevention if you have limited mobility. Even if you do light chair-based exercises or gentle stretching, you can:

Improve circulation
Reduce inflammation
Get protective benefits

Is It Safe to Exercise During Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatments?

In many cases, it's safe to exercise during chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, it's likely that you'll need modifications.

Gentle and low-impact exercises you can consider include walking and yoga, as they can ease fatigue and improve mood without tiring you out. But make sure to get the all clear from your doctor before you proceed.

How Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Can Seniors Start Exercising?

It'll depend on the surgery type and your recovery progress. Most doctors will allow you to do gentle range-of-motion exercises within a few days or weeks. The key thing is to gradually build up intensity with their guidance.

Can Strength Training Help Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

Yes, if you maintain muscle mass through light resistance training, then you can regulate:

Your weight
Insulin levels
Hormone balance

All of these are factors connected to breast cancer prevention.

Does Yoga or Tai Chi Help With Breast Cancer Recovery?

Yes, you need to relax and focus on your mental well-being during recovery, and these practices help with exactly those things. They have the following benefits:

Promote relaxation
Reduce stress hormones
Improve flexibility and balance

Should Seniors Track Their Exercise Progress for Breast Cancer Prevention?

Yes, an important part of breast health in aging is tracking your progress. It's not required, but it can be a huge motivator. To stay consistent and see progress over time, you can use:

Pedometers
Journals
Fitness apps

Exercise and Breast Cancer Are Closely Linked

As you can see, exercise and breast cancer are closely linked to one another. In general, if you meet the guidelines for minimum physical activity, you should experience a dramatic decrease in your risk for breast cancer.

However, don't be complacent just because you're an active senior. Stay vigilant for breast cancer symptoms, and if you notice any abnormalities, book an appointment with your doctor. Even if it turns out to be something benign (like a cyst), you can still get peace of mind about your health.

Get in touch with us today if you're interested in senior living in Napa Valley, CA. Calligraphy Napa Valley provides our residents with property maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry services so they live a pampered lifestyle.