Researchers at Washington University have discovered that young girls can help protect themselves from breast cancer later in life by simply exercising.
The study tracked 65,000 nurses and found that those who began exercising when they were as young as 12, were 23 per cent less likely to develop pre-menopausal breast cancer than women who grew up inactive.
Women who ran three hours a week, or did 13 hours a week of walking, had the lowest risk.
The study found that the biggest protection against breast cancer came with taking regular exercise between the ages of 12 and 22.
But if you were a bookworm as a teen -- don't fret, it's not too late. Other research has shown exercise during your middle years can lower cancer risks as well.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
