Exercise, nutrition and breast cancer
There is growing evidence that nutrition and physical activity can reduce the risk of the development and recurrence of breast cancer.1 Nutrition and exercise are crucial components in the journey of breast cancer—impacting prevention, treatment, and recovery.2 Enjoying a healthy diet and being physically active and avoiding excess weight gain can lower your risk of breast cancer.1
During treatment, maintaining these healthy habits can help alleviate side effects, enhance energy levels, and improve overall well-being.3 Even after treatment, continuing to prioritise nutrition and physical activity plays a vital role in reducing the risk of recurrence and promoting long-term health.2,3
Here we explore how patients can harness the power of nutrition and exercise at every stage of their breast cancer journey.
Breast Cancer and Exercise
1. Prevention: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which can lower breast cancer risk.2,4
2. During Treatment: Exercise can help manage side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety. It can also help improve sleep and overall quality of life.2
3. Recovery: After treatment, exercise can aid in recovery, improve physical function, and help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.2
Aim for aerobic exercise (like walking, jogging, cycling or swimming) for at least 150 minutes (of moderate-intensity) or 75 minutes (of vigorous-intensity) along with strength training exercises at least 2-3 days each week.2
It's important for individuals to consult with their healthcare providers to develop a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to their specific situation and treatment. Accredited exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are recommended to develop exercise programs for people with cancer.5
Breast Cancer and Nutrition
Research shows that a well-balanced diet may help manage treatment side effects, give you more energy, improve mood, boost the immune system and help rebuild damaged tissues after treatment.1 To achieve and maintain a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and improve overall health.3 GenesisCare can help put you in touch with a dietitian to help you throughout your treatment.
A balanced diet may include:3,6-8
- Fruits and vegetables: Aim for a variety of colourful fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Whole grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, oats, wholegrain pasta, polenta, couscous and wholegrain bread provide fiber and essential nutrients.
- Healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, while limiting saturated and trans fats.
- Limiting energy dense foods: Limiting ‘take away and junk food', fatty or sugary snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats and foods containing added salt can help improve quality of life and increase cancer survival.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of breast cancer, so limiting your alcohol consumption is one way to help reduce the risk. The recommended amount of alcohol for adults is no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
Staying well-hydrated is also important for overall health and may help with treatment side effects.3
Remember - individual needs may vary based on treatment type, side effects, and personal health conditions. It's beneficial to work with a healthcare professional or dietitian during your treatment for breast cancer.3 At GenesisCare, we collaborate with a team of allied health professionals to deliver holistic care tailored to your individual needs, including access to accredited exercise physiologists and dietitians to help support your overall health and well-being throughout your treatment journey.