Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: West Ashely Resources

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD. 

Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer.

Dr. Neuhouser’s research has found that for postmenopausal women in particular, being overweight or obese may increase the risk for breast cancer.

Dr. Neuhouser explains, “After menopause, estrogens are synthesized by adipose tissue—the more adipose a woman has, the more estrogen she will make. Adipose cells also synthesize inflammatory factors, which have been linked to breast cancer.”

One of the most important things a woman at risk for breast cancer can do, says Dr. Neuhouser, is to “maintain a healthy weight."  

Given what the research indicates, Dr. Neuhouser says, “One of the most important things is that if a woman is overweight or obese, she should be advised to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Daily physical activity and following healthy eating habits with plentiful fruits and vegetables and minimal empty calories and fried foods will help achieve these goals.”

Dr. Neuhouser says while it can be challenging to lose weight, “Small changes can add up and make a big difference."

When it comes to getting active, Dr. Neuhouser says, "If someone is not used to physical activity, try a five to ten minute walk and gradually increase the time. Having physical activity partners or walking partners always helps. I know my soccer team will be waiting for me on the field, so even if I am tired or busy, I still show up."

West Ashley Fitness Options

There are lots of ways to stay active and get in shape and it doesn't have to be expensive.

Organized Programs Abound

The City of Charleston has two dozen fitness programs for residents to choose from, and facilities like the Bees Landing Recreation Center, W.L. Stephens Aquatic Center and others located here in West Ashely.

St. Andrews Parks and Playgrounds also offers a variety of programs and fitness options for members. Tennis league play will resume with reopening of the tennis center on Playground Road this month, and everything from underwater hockey to free weights are available at St. Andrews Family Fitness Center on Sam Rttenberg Bloulevard.

If you're the type that likes to go out running with a group, check out the Red Balloon Running Club. This casual running club takes inspiration for its name from an 80s hit (99 Luft Ballons) and meets to run all over the Lowcountry. Upcoming runs include the West Ashley Greenway, the Avondale 5K and more. Find out more.

If a gym is more your speed, there are plenty of options in West Ashley: East Shore Athletic Club, Pivotal Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Core Essentials, Planet Fitness, Progressive Fitness or Curves.

Yoga and pilates are great ways to keep in shape as well, and there are lots of places to stretch in West Ashley as well. Check out Holy Cow, Any Body's Pilates, Mindful Body Wellness and Pilates, or The Yoga House of Charleston .