Exercise for Life Women: You've heard about the many benefits of
regular exercise. Now a recent study shows that women diagnosed
with breast cancer who engage in regular physical activity have
an increased rate of survival over those who don't exercise. The
study examined the physical activity of 2,987 female registered
nurses who were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer
between 1984 and 1998. Physical activity was assessed using
metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours. Three MET-hours equal
walking at an average pace of 2 to 2.9 mph for one hour.
Categories of MET-hours per week were classified as fewer than
3; 3 to 8.9; 9 to 14.9; 15 to 23.9; and 24 or more. Participants
were asked about the amount of time they spent engaged and
participated in physical activities in 1986. Physical activity
was then assessed at intervals in 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998,
and 2000. Results: Compared with women who engaged in physical
activity fewer than 3 MET-hours per week, the adjusted relative
risk of death from