Final answer:
Regular exercise is recognized as a factor offering a protective effect against breast cancer by improving muscle health and lowering lifestyle disease risks. Lifestyle choices, such as exercise, significantly influence one's risk of developing cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regular exercise is considered a protective factor against the development of breast cancer. Engaging in physical activity improves the health and strength of muscles and contributes to overall well-being. This, in turn, can offer a protective effect against lifestyle diseases, including some types of cancer. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have found a correlation between physical exercise and reduced death rates from cancer, specifically noting a decrease in the incidence of breast cancer.
Cultural practices and lifestyle choices, such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption, also play significant roles in cancer risk. For instance, smoking tobacco alone is estimated to be responsible for 25 percent of cancer deaths. A combination of eating right, getting adequate exercise, and avoiding obesity could prevent another 35 percent of cancer deaths. While certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase cancer risk, environmental and lifestyle factors can influence the manifestation of these genes.
It is crucial to understand that regular exercise is a readily modifiable risk factor that can help prevent breast cancer alongside other healthful behaviors. Girls are also encouraged to perform monthly self-exams to detect any changes early, although breast cancer in teens is rare.