Support for Breast Cancer by Margaret Stoklosa

Posted on December 6th, 2023

The incidence of breast cancer has been estimated to be about 13% (or 1 in 8), with the average age of diagnosis occurring at 62 years (1). Statistics vary by ethnicity, with black women more likely to die from breast cancer, Hispanic women less likely to be diagnosed, and Chinese and Japanese women more likely to survive. Currently, 5-year survival is high overall due to early detection and treatment options. While chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy or immunotherapy are often used, a support team and supportive dietary and lifestyle measures help to ease the effects of these caustic treatments.

General dietary and lifestyle guidelines include:

•  Follow the Mediterranean Diet Pattern

https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/mediterranean-diet

4-5 servings of fruits daily

4-5 servings of vegetables daily

6 servings of whole grains daily

Low-fat fermented dairy

No more than 20% fat (specifically for ER- and/or PR-)

Include nuts and seeds in daily meals

High consumption of carotenoids (leafy greens, carrots, oranges, tomatoes, cantaloupe, broccoli, and bell peppers)

Limit red meat to no more than twice weekly

2-3 servings of fish weekly (refer to this guide for low-mercury fish: https://www.fda.gov/media/102331/download)

• Be mindful of blood sugar spikes and incorporate low-glycemic-load foods (i.e. non-starchy vegetables)

Important for ER- and/or PR-tumors

• Incorporate decaffeinated green tea daily—up to 5 cups daily
•  Ensure at least 25 grams of fiber
• Exercise when possible, with 3-5 hours of walking weekly
• Eliminate alcohol
• 5% increase in risk for pre-menopausal

9% increase in risk for post-menopausal