A new Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine study finds exercise goes a long way in helping breast cancer survivors keep down high stress levels.

With at least 12 percent of all women now expected to develop some form of breast cancer over their lifetime, researchers have recently dedicated more of their attention to combating one of the country's most common forms of cancer.

 "We found moderate to vigorous physical activity actually benefits women psychologically and that, in turn, helps their memory," said Siobhan Phillips, the study's lead author and an assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern.

What is Chemo Brain?

Historically, most instances of post-cancer memory loss have been attributed to chemotherapy or radiation treatments known as "chemo brain."

What Phillips' research raises is the possibility that more of it may have to do with the patient or survivor's raised emotions.

"These women are frightened, stressed, fatigued, tapped out emotionally and have low self-confidence, which can be very mentally taxing and can lead to perceived memory problems," she said.

More Than 1,800 Cancer Survivors Studied 

For the study, researchers examined the self-reported memory and exercise data of more than 1,800 breast cancers survivors, 362 of whom wore devices known as "accelerometers" to allow scientists to better monitor their activities.

Groups categorized as survivors with moderate or vigorous physical activity were found to have reduced stress and fatigue. Researchers added such a condition yields psychological benefits that could lead to better memory.

Phillips listed such physical activity as biking, fast walking, jogging or joining exercise classes as beneficial.

In 2016, as many as 245,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be uncovered along with somewhere in the neighborhood of 60,000 additional cases of non-invasive breast cancer cases.

As for males, Breastcancer.org estimates that roughly 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year. The lifetime risk of male suffering from the condition is estimated to be about 1 in 1,000.