Those who work their butts off physically often enjoy a bit of added protection against cancer. And sometimes they don't. Just ask Olympic swimmer Eric Shanteau, who was just recently diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Shanteau, 24, won't let cancer stop him from going for Gold in the 200-meter breaststroke -- he plans to delay his surgery until after he competes. Don't worry. The swimmer will be closely monitored and will drop out of the Olympics should his cancer appear to spread. "By no means am I being stupid about this," says Shanteau, who has high hopes for a successful recovery.

According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer, one of the most curable forms of cancer in the United States, will strike about 8,090 U.S. men in 2008. Because treatment is so successful, the risk of dying from this cancer is very low: about 1 in 5,000.

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Look at any avid swimmer and you'll most likely see someone with long, lean, aesthetic physiques. A fantastic cardiovascular workout, swimming also utilizes just about every muscle in your body. Even the most highly trained weightlifter or long distance runner can oftentimes find themselves struggling to catch their breath after a few laps in the pool, which is why many Olympic, pro sports, and boxing trainers typically incorporate some sort of "aquacize" into their athlete's workout regimen.

One of the most common swim stroke (save for the doggy paddle, that is), is the breaststroke. Although it's one of the most difficult strokes to maintain over a long period of time, the breaststroke is among the easier to perfect. The stroke is done while laying flat in the water on your chest, with the arms breaking the surface of the water only slightly and the legs underwater the entire time. The legs do what's known as a frog kick, basically because they look like the kick a frog makes when swimming.

If your a novice swimmer, start with a realistic goal -- maybe swimming a lap or two. Then, over time, you can increase your speed and number of laps as your endurance increases. Also, always be sure to swim in a pool, lake, or ocean that has a lifeguard on-duty and, just as important, do not exceed your known performance capabilities.

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