How To Avoid Breast Cancer Recurrence

Vegetable Oils Are Not Healthy Too

Vegetable oils contain 100% fat and no nutrients. They are not health food like many people believe. In another blog post, I already explained the health risks of vegetable oils.

Too much dietary fat makes people overweight and creates a lot of health problems. Side effects include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Vegetable oils are not healthy

Most popular oils, like canola, olive, and flaxseed oil, have low burning points. When you cook with these oils, you’re damaging the oils and create free radicals. Vegetable oils contain polyunsaturated fats. These fats oxidize easily through heat and light and become dangerous.

Trans fats are another risk factor in vegetable oils. You can find it in refined oils but most often in margarine. ;Trans fats are human-made fatty acids formed during the process of hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is the process when you turn liquid vegetable oils into solid fats.

There are no safe levels of trans fats. The body cannot process these formed particles. The safest way to avoid trans fats is to eat a vegan diet without any added oils.

Excess saturated fat from oils, meat, and dairy contributes to a host of health problems. The higher in fat your diet is, the less effective your insulin becomes.

If you want to prevent cancer recurrence, then you need to stop eating all animal products, and oils. You want to replace it with a whole food plant-based diet to lower your cancer risk.

Cut Back On Saturated Fats

The evidence is mixed, but the 2017 review noted that women who ate more saturated fats and high-fat dairy products had a greater risk of dying from breast cancer. That said, its unclear whether fatty fare is really to blame. The researchers pointed out that women who reduced their calories from fat also tended to lose weight , which is another way to protect against recurrence.

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Exercise And Risk Of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Evidence From Clinical Trials

The effect of exercise on breast cancer recurrence is an area currently under much speculation yet evidence from RCTs is lacking. However, pertinent to this area is the Supervised Trial of Aerobic versus Resistance Training multicenter Canadian RCT which recently reported an exploratory analysis of follow-up cancer outcomes in breast cancer survivors . The START trial randomized 242 breast cancer survivors to usual care, supervised aerobic, or resistance training while undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. For this analysis, the 2 exercise groups were combined to examine the effect on disease-free survival . Eight-year DFS was lower for the exercise groups compared with the usual care group . Subgroup analyses resulted in potentially stronger effects of exercise on DFS for women who were overweight/obese , had stage II/III cancer , estrogen receptor-positive tumors , human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive tumors , received taxane-based chemotherapies , and completed 85;% planned chemotherapy . This is the first randomized data, to our knowledge, to suggest the addition of exercise to standard chemotherapy as a means to improve breast cancer outcomes and a Phase III trial is warranted to further investigate this area.

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Reducing Risk Of Recurrence

There are a number of myths regarding what may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, as well as evidence-based information that is easily overlooked. We will look at measures that may reduce your risk based on credible studies, as well as practices that are unclear that you may wish to discuss with your oncologist.

In some cases, though the benefit on recurrence risk is still not clear, your quality of life may be improved. And living well with cancer is as important as extending your life with cancer.

Before talking about measures that may help lower recurrence risk, it’s important to not add to the stigma of the disease. Some people do absolutely everything right and their breast cancer recurs anyway. Similarly, some people eat poorly, smoke, and drink heavily and their cancer never recurs. While you may be able to decrease your risk of recurrence to a degree, dealing with breast cancer is dealing with a mutated clone of cells that doesn’t think or follow the rules.

For those who have a recurrence, it doesn’t mean they have done anything wrong. It simply means cancer is being cancer.

Can Exercise Reduce The Risk Of Cancer Recurrence

Exercising, even at a moderate level, is one thing cancer survivors can do to lower the odds of cancer recurrence. The most consistent and largest number of studies looking at the links between exercise and cancer recurrence and overall survival have been reported for patients with breast and colorectal cancer, though increasingly other cancer types are also being studied.

A review of the effect of lifestyle factors on breast cancer mortality found that physical activity is consistently linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. A large study showed that women who exercised moderately following a breast cancer diagnosis had 40 to 50 percent lower risks of breast cancer recurrence and death from breast cancer or any cause, compared with women who exercised less. The benefit of exercise was particularly apparent in women with hormone-responsive breast tumors.

Another study found that women with breast cancer who exercised for the equivalent of walking at an average pace of 2 to 2.9 miles per hour for one hour per week had a 35 to 49 percent lower risk of death from breast cancer, compared with women who were less active.

Physical activity after a colorectal cancer diagnosis is also linked to a lower risk of recurrence and increased overall survival, according to three studies led by Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, clinical director of Dana-Farbers Gastrointestinal Cancer Center and Douglas Gray Woodruff Chair in Colorectal Cancer Research.

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What Looks Most Promising For Intermittent Fasting In Terms Of Fighting Breast Cancer

If intermittent fasting turns out to be a successful fat-loss strategy that improves metabolic health, we could potentially harness these effects to reduce the risk that breast cancer will come back after treatment. We know that metabolic disturbances, like too much insulin and blood sugar, increase the risk of breast cancer recurring. By reducing fat and insulin levels, intermittent fasting could help reduce that risk. Other dietary strategies may prove useful in this as well.

Join a panel of MSK experts on October 14 as they discuss how breast cancer is affected by nutrition and exercise.

Successful fat-loss strategies may also help make treatments work better. For instance, we often give steroids with cancer treatments in order to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. But the steroids also drive up insulin levels, which we dont want. Diets that keep insulin in balance may help maintain the benefits of the steroids while reducing the drawbacks.

In terms of reducing the risk for developing breast cancer in the first place, its very difficult to design a research trial;because there are so many factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer. A lot more long-term research would need to be done before we could make any firm conclusions.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Sunscreens

Dont use sunscreens. Most modern sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays. That means that you cant generate any vitamin D that is so vital to your health. Sunscreens also contain a lot of toxins that you dont want in your body.

Instead of using sunscreen, wear more clothes to protect your skin. Or stay in the shade. Go outside more if you want to minimize your cancer risk. Remember the goal is to get moderate levels of sun exposure, not a tan.

Sunscreens block vitamin d and contain harmful chemicals

Avoiding the sun is like saying that water causes drowning, so dont drink water. Your body tells you when you had enough of anything. If you overeat, your body will say so.

The same thing happens when you stay in the sun for too long. If you respect your body’s limits, then sun exposure shouldnt cause any problems.

Take Away

Use vitamin D supplements if there is not enough sun in your area

Another way to stay cancer free is to drink purified water.

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How To Avoid Cancer Recurrence

If you read this, you’ve probably been through some horrible cancer treatments. Maybe your family or doctor pressured you to undergo these procedures. The whole experience was most likely traumatic. ;

Ortodox cancer treatments are brutal and toxic

After the treatments ended, I’m sure you don’t want to endure it again. Because of the experience, you might be even more fearful of cancer. How can you avoid cancer so that you dont have to relive all this?

In this blog post, Im going to teach you how to do just that. After reading this article, you will stop worrying about cancer. You will be able to take powerful actions and prevent cancer recurrence.

Before I tell you how to prevent cancer, let me explain what it is. You need to first understand what cancer is before you can treat it.

Be Mindful Of Your Environment Including Household Chemicals

It’s long been suspected that environmental exposures, including the chemicals we are exposed to in everything from household cleaners to cosmetics, may play a role both in breast cancer risk and recurrence. While it’s difficult to study , we are learning that practicing caution is wise.

A 2017 review looked at the evidence to date connecting breast cancer and the environment. Some compounds, such as PCBs , may raise the risk of recurrence. Others may alter the regulation of genes involved in cell growth, apoptosis , and much more. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can mimic the function of hormones in our bodies, and it’s well known that the hormone estrogen should be avoided to reduce breast cancer recurrence, at least for people with hormone positive tumors.

There is a great amount of information out there of varying degrees of concern, but the important thing to note is that it’s relatively easy to avoid concerning chemicals . Most household cleaners can easily be replaced with baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar .

The environmental working group has a website where you can search on thousands of personal care products . And adding a few houseplants to your home can help to absorb many indoor air carcinogens; with indoor air thought to be more of a concern that outdoor air pollution.

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What Are The Complications Of Breast Cancer Recurrence

Breast cancer that comes back can be harder to treat. The same therapy isnt always effective again. Tumors can develop a tolerance to certain treatments like chemotherapy. Your healthcare provider will try other therapies. You may be able to try drugs under development in clinical trials.

If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, your healthcare providers still treat it like breast cancer. For instance, breast cancer cells that move to the lungs cause breast cancer in the lungs not lung cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is more difficult to treat than cancer in only one part of the body.

You may feel stressed, depressed or anxious. A mental health counselor and support groups can help.

No Foods Or Supplements Are Linked Specifically To Breast Cancer

There is no strong evidence that any specific foods or supplements will lower the risk of getting breast cancer or reduce the risk of recurrence.

Research has shown that getting the nutrients you need from a variety of foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can make you feel your best and give your body the energy it needs. You can get many of the nutrients you need from the food you eat. If you’re considering taking supplements, it’s a good idea to have a registered dietitian evaluate your diet. You may need a bit more of a specific nutrient like folate or vitamin A. That’s why women both with or without a prior breast cancer often take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Many women also need calcium supplements to meet their daily calcium requirements.

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Can Food Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer

No food or diet can prevent you from getting breast cancer. But some foods can make your body the healthiest it can be, boost your immune system, and help keep your risk for breast cancer as low as possible. And no food or diet can cure cancer, though some of them may help control treatment side effects or help your body get well after treatment. Some food choices may help cancer treatment work more effectively or may help keep you healthy. Others can be dangerous and can interfere with treatment and recovery.

Continue Regular Health Screenings And Medications

Since breast cancer can recur after remission, not only is it crucial to get regular mammograms, but also annual flu shots and other vaccinations, screening colonoscopies, pap smears, bone density scans, dental checkups, and other physical examinations by a primary healthcare provider. It is also recommended to test cholesterol and blood pressure levels to monitor risks for cardiovascular disease.

In addition to health screenings, it is also imperative to take endocrine therapy drug exactly as prescribed. When not taken as intended, breast cancer survivors risk less beneficial effects and may create other health concerns for themselves. If costs or undesirable side effects are a pressing matter, it is important to consult an oncologist. Many pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs, and there are several ways to manage symptoms.

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Breast Cancer Survivors Perceptions Of Prevention Versus Control Of Future Cancer Recurrence

Kimberly M. Kelly

1College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2Medication Safety Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

4School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

5West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

6School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

Academic Editor:

Abstract

1. Introduction

Breast cancer is among the top causes of disability of older women globally . It accounts for 30% of the total cancer cases and 15% of cancer deaths . The use of more effective and less toxic medications has resulted in an increasing rate of survivorship among women with breast cancer, with the relative survival rate at 10 years after diagnosis for combined stages of breast cancer being over 80% in the United States . Moreover, breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of developing a future cancer than individuals who have no prior cancer history . This large and growing population calls for increasing attention to clinical decision-making in the cancer care context in terms of beliefs about prevention and control of recurrence for those who survive their initial breast cancer.

2. Methods

2.1. Participants

2.2. Procedures

2.2.1. Measures

2.3. Plan for Analysis

2.3.1. Aim 1: Quantitative Data

2.3.2. Aim 2: Qualitative Data

2.3.3. Aim 3: Quantitative Data

3. Results

Check On Whether You Need Medications

After you complete your cancer treatment, if you have a high chance of your cancer returning, your doctor may prescribe you certain drugs to reduce your risk.

Tamoxifen and raloxifene are two such drugs. These drugs are approved for use in the U.S. and doctors usually prescribe them to lower the chances of estrogen-related breast cancer. Both drugs block estrogen hormone in breast cells. Studies show that they reduce your chances of getting breast cancer again by about 40%.

Tamoxifen. You take this once a day by mouth as a pill or liquid. It may make it less likely for you to get cancer in parts of your breast that werenât affected earlier. You may have side effects like hot flashes, vaginal discharge, irregular periods, loss of sexual interest, memory loss, fatigue, and joint pain.

Raloxifene. Itâs a pill you take once a day. Itâs usually given to women who are post-menopausal — those who stopped having their periods. It may also help you avoid or treat osteoporosis, when your bone density thins, putting you at risk of fractures.

While rare, these drugs can also cause blood clots in your leg veins or lungs. This can be a serious side effect that may need immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have a blood clot.

Side effects can include vaginal discharge, muscle and joint pain, hot flashes, and night sweats. These drugs may also speed up osteoporosis and may raise your cholesterol.

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The Effects Of Vitamins Alcohol And Quitting Smoking

As for vitamin supplementation, the review did not find sufficient evidence to show vitamin C is helpful, although a meta-analysis included in the study revealed a 15 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality for those who took Vitamin C. The authors of the current review recommend clinical trials to confirm these results.

Supplemental intake of Vitamin D might help maintain bone strength and density especially after chemotherapy and hormonal treatments, which reduce bone density.

The authors strongly advise against smoking. Even though the review could not establish a clear link between quitting smoking and recurrence rates, they note that the risk of death associated with smoking should be reason enough to quit.

Alcohol consumption when limited to one or fewer alcoholic drinks per day may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

The authors comment on the significance of their findings.

Making positive lifestyle changes can be psychologically beneficial to patients by empowering them, since the feeling of loss of control is one of the biggest challenges of a cancer diagnosis, they write, adding:

Because it is common for patients to reduce their level of physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis, it is important for health care professionals to promote and encourage exercise in this patient population. Simply receiving advice from an oncologist to exercise more has been shown to increase patients level of activity.