LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE & OPTIMIZE HEALTH IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

More than 90% of patients with breast cancer get an early-stage diagnosis of the disease. About 25% eventually die of distant metastasis (1). Many patients with breast cancer look for data from various sources about behavior that may reduce recurrence risks (2).

Making positive lifestyle changes is psychologically beneficial for patients. This empowers them because the feeling of loss of control is a considerable challenge during and after cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Below are some lifestyle changes that work as an adjunct to standard breast cancer treatments. These lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of distant recurrence and death. There is a vital role of lifestyle factors on the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. This mainly includes weight management, diet, exercise, alcohol intake, smoking, and vitamin supplementation, on

Suggested Lifestyle Changes for Breast Cancer Patients for better Prognosis and Overall Health

Weight management

Women who gain weight during or post-cancer treatment are at higher risk of breast cancer–related death (3). On the other hand, overweight women (while diagnosis) have a poorer prognosis (4). The reasons behind weight gain are multifactorial and can include stress-eating, reduced activity due to fatigue or other adverse effects of treatment, lowered metabolic rate from chemotherapy, and pre-and post-chemotherapy medications.

Although such patients can attain significant weight loss (5), it can be hypothesized that obese patients who shed weight after a breast cancer diagnosis can have a better outcome. Two extensive randomized studies are still evaluating the promotion of weight management on breast cancer outcomes (6).

Physical activity

A recent review concluded that physical activity has the most robust effect of all lifestyle factors on reducing breast cancer recurrence (7). Patients thus must be encouraged to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days of the week. Studies show more hours of exercise can result in potential and better benefits on recovery (8). At least 150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended, but less than 13% of patients with breast cancer attain this.

Diet

Studies show that western-style diets, which are known for high intake of processed grains, processed meats have some most negligible impacts on the reoccurrence of breast cancer. Similarly, other prudent diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and chicken have similar breast cancer recurrence rates. The dietary saturated fat, especially from high-fat dairy products, may increase breast cancer mortality (9). Similarly, a study suggests that soy products have not been found to increase breast cancer recurrence (10) and may reduce it (11). Read here how Ayurveda and therein prescribed food matters in today’s world!

Smoking

Recent evidence has shown a strong association between a history of smoking and breast cancer mortality (12). Compared to women who continue to smoke after a breast cancer diagnosis, those who quit smoking after diagnosis have higher overall survival. This also has resulted in better breast cancer survival rates.

Alcohol intake

When cancer comes back it metastases and spreads throughout the body far quicker. However, limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of second primary breast cancer (13). Individuals with cancer history need to focus on reducing alcohol consumption while recovering from cancer, as it’s a sugar!

Vitamin supplementation

Moderate increases in dietary vitamin C or oral supplementation may reduce breast cancer mortality. Though, it is clear that Vitamin E supplementation is not associated with breast cancer outcomes. Low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D at diagnosis are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer mortality (14). Increased vitamin D is vital to reduce your risk of cancer, as many studies have proven it!

GC protein-derived MAF is considered a breakthrough for cancer patients for similar reasons. Vitamin D is the binding root considered for immunotherapy for cancer. Here is why and how VDTP/GcMAF immunotherapy works in your body. Going by the benefits that immunotherapy or VDTP/GcMAF carries for cancer patients, more and more people are turning to GcMAF/VDTP immunotherapy. This short video will help you understand more about VDTP/GcMAF:

At Healing Oracle, we always vouch for a living rooted in nature. The closer we stay, the safer and healthier we live!

References & Resources:

1.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16368868/

2.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25398359/

3.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25625592/

4.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24769692/

5.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24891269/

6.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26282657/

7.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26543382/

8.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21795422/

9.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23492346/

10.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24870117/

11.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23725149/

12.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26951316/

13.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26059936/

14.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24596354/