Surviving cancer is just the beginning. After treatment ends, a healthy lifestyle can help promote good health and decrease the risk of recurrence. With more breast cancer survivors than ever before, good nutrition is important in establishing and maintaining health. Prior to starting a diet, cancer survivors should consult with a health care professional to see if anything should be avoided, or any guidelines they need to follow, to avoid any complications.
Significance
According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States in 2010, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors. Rates of deaths from the disease have been declining since 1990, says the American Cancer Society, which is encouraging news to newly diagnosed patients.
Weight Management and Physical Activity
During and after breast cancer treatment, while it is important to get enough calories to nourish the body, it is also important to maintain a healthy weight. According to the American Cancer Society, obesity has been associated with a higher risk of developing cancer, higher risk of cancer recurrence and shorter survival times. The Johns Hopkins Breast Center also states that studies have been done illustrating a connection between breast cancer risk and body mass size in postmenopausal women. Physical activity helps protect against osteoporosis, heart disease and blood vessel disease, and is encouraged for cancer survivors. Prior to starting a physical activity routine, it is best to check with a health care provider to make sure it is appropriate.
Features
A healthy, balanced diet is important for breast cancer survivors to maintain optimal health and good nutrition. The Johns Hopkins Breast Center recommends a diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole grains; these foods contain phytosterols, chemicals that have antioxidant, antiestrogen and chemopreventive characteristics that may reduce the risk of recurrence. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage are very high in these chemicals. High amounts of dietary fiber, approximately 25 to 35 g daily, can also reduce the risk of breast cancer because the fiber helps change hormonal balances that are present in breast cancer, says Johns Hopkins. There have been studies linking alcohol use and breast cancer; though a definitive link has yet to be established, breast cancer survivors should limit alcohol to one drink per day, say experts at the Johns Hopkins Breast Center.
Fat Intake
Fat intake and its association with breast cancer has been widely studied, with many studies being inconclusive or showing conflicting results. In 2007, the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" published an epidemiologic study done at the National Cancer Institute that found dietary fat intake to be directly associated with higher risks of postmenopausal invasive breast cancer. The Johns Hopkins Breast Center reports that the risk may be related to the type of fat consumed, and recommends limiting foods high in saturated fat like beef, cheeses, cream and ice cream. Foods containing trans-fats should be limited, and more food with omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed, like chicken, fish and legumes.
Warning
Talking to a health care professional or cancer care team about healthy diet and lifestyle choices can be helpful; a referral to a nutritionist specializing in cancer survivorship may be an option as well. It is suggested to consult with a professional before drastically changing one's diet or starting a new fitness routine to ensure safety.
References
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Statistics
- American Cancer Society: Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment
- Johns Hopkins Breast Center: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
- Journal of the National Cancer Institute: Dietary Fat and Postmenopausal Invasive Breast Cancer in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study Cohort
