Prof. Patrick Kafui Akakpo, an Anatomic pathologist, has emphasised that regular exercise plays a protective role against breast cancer for both men and women.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show as part of the station’s Cancer Awareness Month series, Prof. Akakpo explained that while bodybuilding increases muscle mass, it does not directly affect breast tissue. However, maintaining an active lifestyle contributes to overall health and reduces the risk of developing cancer.

“If you body build, what it means is that you’re putting your muscles to work, and therefore your muscles will undergo a process called hypertrophy — they become larger because you’re pushing more weight,” he said. “But that’s not related to the breast tissue itself.”

He noted that breast tissue is composed mainly of ducts, fat, and a fibrous mesh that supports the structure, and not muscles.

“The breast tissue itself is really made up of the duct system, the fat that is in there, and the fibrous meshwork that supports the duct and fat. That’s what makes up the breast tissue itself,” he explained.

Prof. Akakpo, who is a lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, added that regardless of gender, exercise provides long-term protection against various diseases, including cancer.

“Exercise has always been a good thing and has always been protective. Whether it’s men or women, you are still protected if you are exercising,” he stressed.

His remarks come amid growing public education efforts under Joy FM’s Cancer Awareness Month, which seeks to promote early detection, prevention, and healthy lifestyle practices to reduce cancer-related deaths in Ghana.

Health experts continue to encourage regular physical activity, balanced diets, and routine screenings as key measures in the fight against both male and female breast cancer.