Breast Cancer and Exercise

August 16, 2012 By admin

A healthy lifestyle combining nutrition and exercise can be beneficial in reducing breast cancer risks in some women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2009 and 2010,more than one-third of adults in the United States were obese. With a definitive relationship established between increased body weight/weight gain and breast cancer among women, the benefits of regular exercise play an important role in the fight against breast cancer.

Battling weight to battle cancer

Unfortunately for women, weight gain causes not only a tighter waistband but also an increase in hormone levels,particularly estrogen. A recent studied by the Institute of Cancer Research reported that among women fighting breast cancer, obese women usually have higher estrogen levels than women who are not obese. Since many breast cancers need estrogen to grow, doctors tend use hormone-blocking treatments. Treatment may include a drug such as an aromatase inhibitor, which is a hormone-suppressing drug. It is possible however; weight loss through exercise and nutrition also may be beneficial when attempting to reduce estrogen levels in breast cancer patients and those at risk for breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages regular, intentional physical activity or exercise to reduce the risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Regular exercise also may reduce the risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. The ACS guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes (two and one-half hours) of moderately intense exercise/activity per week, 75 minutes (one hour and fifteen minutes) of vigorously intense exercise/activity per week or a combination of both moderate and vigorous exercise spread throughout a seven-day period.

Types of exercise

Women’s health and wellness routines must include some levels of exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, especially when fighting breast cancer. Incorporating moderate and even intense exercise into a daily routine doesn’t have to be costly or stressful.

Moderate exercise should raise your heart rate, cause you to sweat yet you should still be able to hold a conversation without gasping for breath. Inexpensive ways to exercise moderately include taking a brisk/fast walk through your neighborhood or local park, pushing a lawn mower or riding a bicycle.

Vigorous exercise makes you breathe harder and it may be difficult to hold a conversation while exercising. Examples include jogging, playing a game of basketball, soccer or tennis and swimming laps (not leisurely swimming, concentrated strokes to raise the heart rate.)

Gardening, playing with your kids and household chores such as vacuuming and mopping are other ways simply to get moving. Every time you get up and do something active, you are helping your overall health. Reducing sedimentary habits can help fight weight gain as well.

In addition, it’s important to remember to eat nutritionally balanced meals that do not exceed recommended daily caloric intake. If you’re not sure what your caloric intake should be, talk to your doctor. Before beginning any exercise routine it is important to talk first to your doctor to determine what is best for your health.

Filed Under: Post home, Prevention

Breast Cancer Risk and Nutrition

June 27, 2012 By admin

Diet is perhaps the single largest controllable factor in a woman’s breast cancer risk. There are foods that increase your risk, and also foods that can significantly reduce it. By maintaining a healthy, varied diet rich in cancer-preventative foods, you are able to substantially cut your chances of breast cancer. Plus, eating a wide variety of nutritious foods is also part of a healthy lifestyle that goes beyond reducing cancer risk.

Artistic image of mixed fruitAccording to The American Cancer Society, a large number of women’s health studies have suggested that a diet low in animal fats can lead to lower rates of breast cancer. Cancer rates are lower in parts of the world where people eat less animal fat. Additionally, in tests on rodents, higher fat diets led to higher incidence of mammary cancers. Seek out low-fat protein options to keep your fat intake within recommended guidelines. For instance, opt for a lentil salad or vegetarian black bean chili for dinner. Try tilapia for an affordable, low-fat mild fish entree. Pick lean cuts when eating red meat, and take the skin off chicken. Preliminary studies seem to indicate that the younger you are when you adopt a low-fat diet, the more cancer protection it provides.

While no clear cause and effect has been established between eating fruit and vegetable and breast cancer risk reduction, it is well-known that eating plenty of vegetables is necessary for proper women’s nutrition. Vegetables are low in fat, but high in filling fiber. Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Pick fruits and vegetables with colors through the rainbow to make sure you are getting a wide array of nutrients. Think yellow peppers, deep green kale, pale eggplant and vibrant red berries. Keeping cut veggies on the top shelf of your fridge makes them an easy snack.

One of the clearest dietary risks for cancer is alcohol consumption. Women who drink have a higher incidence of breast cancer than those who don’t. If you do imbibe, limit it to one alcoholic drink per day. This allows you to take advantage of the wellness benefits of beverages like red wine while limiting your cancer risk. Also, if you drink, be sure to consume plenty of folate-rich foods like fortified cereals and leafy greens. Although scientists don’t understand why, folate seems to help reduce cancer risk among women who drink.

Pursuing a healthy diet not only cuts down breast cancer risks, it helps reduce other health risk such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Plus, a good diet leaves you feeling more energetic and provides a general sense of wellness. Commit to maintaining a healthy diet to cut your breast cancer risk and enjoy better health overall.

Filed Under: Prevention

Guidelines for Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention

October 11, 2011 By admin

The American Cancer Society recently added guidelines for nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention in the 2011-2012 Breast Cancer Factbook. These guidelines are meant to complement the guidelines for early detection, allowing women to take control over their health.

Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.

  • Balance calorie intake with physical activity.
  • Avoid excessive weight gain throughout life.
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese.

Adopt a physically active lifestyle.

  • Adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week; 45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity is preferable.
  • Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days per week.

Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources.

  • Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
  • Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains.
  • Limit intake of processed and red meats.

If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake.

  • Women should drink no more than 1 drink per day (or 2 per day for men).
Filed Under: Cancer News, Prevention

Cut Your Cancer Risk – One Bite at a Time!

September 20, 2011 By admin

Change the way you eat and you could reduce your risk of becoming a cancer statistic. Eating fruits, vegetables and fiber protects healthy cells from cancer-causing free radicals and keeps weight in check. Fruits and veggies build up your immune system with cancer-fighting antioxidants. Fiber keeps food from lingering in the intestines where it can latch onto cancer-causing carcinogens.

If visions of spinach mounds and celery stalks make you cringe, try these tips to think outside the salad bowl!

  1. Morning makeover: Top off your oatmeal or cereal with berries or sliced bananas. Making scrambled eggs? Sauté mushrooms with cancer-busting garlic for a veggie scramble.
  2. Get saucy: Creamy pasta sauces can be loaded with fat, so use veggies and olive oil instead. Throw in tomatoes (lycopene), spinach (magnesium) and carrots (beta carotene).
  3. Go Asian: Chock full of veggies, stir fries spice up a weeknight meal. Use a small amount of canola oil with snow peas, scallions and reduced sodium soy sauce. Substitute brown rice for fried rice.
  4. Meatless Monday: Plant-based sources of protein, such as lentils, peas and beans provide nutrients, without the fat. Nuts supply protein too, but with higher fat, so be mindful of serving sizes. Keep red meat to a minimum, as it can contain more carcinogens when cooked.
  5. Mix it up: Create a dried fruit mixture with ingredients such as apricots, apples, cherries, figs and dates. Sprinkle cinnamon or ginger for an afternoon pick-me-up.
  6. Shred it: Carrots, apples and zucchinis can be grated and used in casseroles, pancakes, muffins and breads.
  7. Blend a smoothie: Blend unsweetened fresh or frozen berries with lowfat milk or yogurt and ice. For extra protein, add a handful of chopped walnuts – don’t worry, they’ll blend right in!
  8. Add flavor: Tempt your taste buds with antioxidant rich seasonings like rosemary, garlic, sage and olive oil. Roast vegetables with herbs and balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean taste.

There are so many ways you can add fruits and vegetables to your diet. What are some of your favorites?? (comment below.)

Filed Under: Post home, Prevention

Expert Panel Issues Lymphedema White Paper: Calls for Early Detection and Intervention to Reduce Lymphedema Progression

July 28, 2011 By admin

Avon Foundation for Women-sponsored white paper reports latest lymphedema clinical advances that could benefit many of the 2.3 million U.S. breast cancer survivors 

New York City, July 27, 2011 –

An expert panel issued a white paper examining new evidence that shows early detection and intervention hold the greatest promise for reducing breast cancer-related lymphedema, which affects up to one-third of the 180,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients annually and 2.3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. The Avon Foundation for Women, in partnership with the Lymphatic Research Foundation and the National Lymphedema Network, convened a group of leading scientists, clinicians and advocates in April 2011 to discuss recent advances in the early detection and early intervention of upper extremity lymphedema. The expert panel produced several recommendations, which are shared in a white paper released today, Recent Advances in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Detection and Treatment.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disorder that may occur following surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy that causes limb swelling and chronic inflammation. According to the white paper, monitoring for lymphedema onset in breast cancer patients is essential—and medically necessary—and should include capturing baseline arm volume measurements prior to treatment and follow-up measurements at regular intervals once breast cancer treatment is completed.  By the time lymphedema is visually detectable, it has already progressed to advanced stages. Regular surveillance, using tools such as perometry or bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), in the years following breast cancer treatment can reduce the development of irreversible lymphedema and improve quality of life.

“Lymphedema can have devastating physical and emotional consequences for breast cancer survivors,” said Marc Hurlbert, executive director of the Avon Foundation for Women Breast Cancer Crusade. “The expert panel’s recommendations for lymphedema care can dramatically change the lives of breast cancer patients. Early detection of lymphedema can identify sub-clinical lymphedema at a time when simple, cost-effective interventions can be used to prevent it from evolving into advanced stages of lymphedema and reduce the condition’s severity.”

The white paper recommends that breast cancer survivors be closely monitored for the development of lymphedema and learn how to reduce their risk of developing the disorder, such as by recognizing the physical triggers (e.g. cuts or burns on the fingers) that may transform the disease from latent to active and by maintaining meticulous skin care hygiene and a healthy body weight. Recent studies in weight lifting, exercise and weight loss also have demonstrated a benefit in preventing lymphedema: stretching, aerobics and arm and leg weight lifting resulted in fewer flare-ups among patients with lymphedema and reduced the chance of developing the condition among at-risk patients by 70%. 

“The Lymphatic Research Foundation (LRF) and our National Lymphatic Disease and Lymphedema Registry (NLDLR) were pleased to partner with the Avon Foundation for Women in co-sponsoring this important conference,” said Jacqueline Reinhard, executive director of the Lymphatic Research Foundation.  “Publication of the resulting White Paper – Recent Advances in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Detection and Treatment – provides a much-needed resource for the many patients living with lymphedema, as well as the researchers and treatment professionals involved in this field.”

At the Avon Foundation symposium, the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) also shared its recent position paper on lymphedema screening and treatment. The NLN’s position paper recommends all breast cancer patients receive pre- and post-treatment measurements on both arms, as well as consistent measurements throughout their treatment, and use bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) or infrared perometry as alternatives to a tape measure. These precautions have proven to reduce the occurrence of false negative and false positive results which could be obtained by using a tape measure.

For more information about lymphedema or to download Recent Advances in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Detection and Treatment or the National Lymphedema Network’s recent white paper, please visit www.avonfoundation.org/programs-and-events/lymphedema-information.html.

Filed Under: Cancer News, Early Detection

Plastics – Do’s and Don’ts

June 7, 2011 By admin

Plastics are all around us, but not all are created equal! Polycarbonate plastics, like some food, drink and bottle packaging and some epoxy resins, which coat metal food cans, contain the chemical Bisphenol A. BPA can leach into food and is believed to disrupt the endocrine system, leading to potential reproductive and developmental issues. In fact, in a study by the Center for Disease Control, they found 93% of their population tested had BPA in their bodies, with women and children having the highest levels. While further research is necessary, we can reduce our exposure to BPA NOW by limiting our use of plastics and metal food cans.

DO’s

  • Replace plastic water bottles, cups, cutting boards and food containers with glass, bamboo, cloth, wooden, ceramic and stainless steel products
  • Eat and cook with fresh foods rather than canned foods
  • Especially limit your use of plastics if you are pregnant and/or have young children who are at a greater risk since they are still developing
  • Find a food store where you can get your fresh produce and meat wrapped in paper, rather than plastic
  • Use aluminum foil to wrap food rather than plastic cling wrap
  • Bring your own bags whenever you shop, not just for the supermarket. By bringing your own bag, you alone can save between 400 and 600 plastic bags per year.
  • Check out the Hot or Not List when looking for more tips on how to reduce your plastic use for good

DON’Ts

  • Use plastic containers or bottles with the recycling numbers 3 (Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC), 6 (Polystyrene, PS), and 7 (Other), which can be found on the bottom of the containers
  • Microwave plastic containers
  • Wash plastic containers in the dishwasher. If plastics are being used, wash by hand with warm water.
  • Use harsh chemical detergents on plastic products
  • Use plastics that are old, worn, and scratched
  • Forget children and adults can ingest small amounts of BPA when drinking/eating from cups or containers with the chemical
Filed Under: Prevention

What are the Guidelines for Early Detection

June 3, 2011 By admin

The American Cancer Society recommends these screening guidelines for most adults.

Breast cancer

  • Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health
  • Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over
  • Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

The American Cancer Society recommends that some women — because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors — be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is small: less than 2% of all the women in the US.) Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

Filed Under: Early Detection

Overall Health May Be Key to Beating Breast Cancer

June 3, 2011 By admin

This information was provided by HealthDay News and US and World Report.

Poorer wellbeing linked to a 65% raised risk of death from any cause in study patients

WEDNESDAY, April 6 (HealthDay News) — Poor overall health seems to be associated with worse outcomes for breast cancer survivors, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from almost 9,400 early stage breast cancer survivors participating in the After Breast Cancer Pooling Project. The patients completed a health assessment survey shortly after diagnosis, and follow-up occurred an average of seven years after diagnosis.

The survey results showed that about half the women were in poor physical health. Higher body mass index (a measurement that takes into account a person’s height and weight) was strongly associated with low physical health scores, said the team at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center.

Women with poor physical health scores had a 27 percent increased risk of experiencing either a recurrence of their breast cancer or a new breast cancer, and a 65 percent increased risk of death from any cause, the researchers said.

The researchers also found that breast cancer survivors with low health scores were less physically active, more likely to have sleep problems, had 50 percent higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes, and were twice as likely to have arthritis.

The study was slated for presentation Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in Orlando, Fla. Experts note that research presented at meetings has not been subjected to the same type of rigorous scrutiny given to research published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Taking care of health problems in breast cancer survivors can improve their well-being and help them avoid associated breast cancer risks, said John P. Pierce, a professor of cancer prevention and associate director for population sciences at Moores Cancer Center.

“Instead of looking at breast cancer survivors as a whole, we need to focus on the women with low physical health scores, those most at risk,” he said in an AACR news release. “An increase of 5 percent in their physical health scores can reduce their risk. We can empower them to take charge of their health and thereby improve their chance of survival as well as their quality of life.”

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about breast cancer.

Filed Under: Post home, Prevention