Defensive Diet – Debunking dietary misconceptions on breast cancer

BREAST CANCER, A malignant tumour which has developed from cells from the breast, may be the number one cancer affecting Singaporean women today. A malignant tumour is really a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Each year, 1,500 new cases are diagnosed and 370 deaths occur because of the disease. Women aged 50 to 65 years of age with a strong genealogy of cancer of the breast are at chance of contracting cancer of the breast. A diet which includes excessive alcohol and calorie intake leads to excess weight gain. Additionally, it increases the chance of the disease, particularly in post-menopausal women. Other risks include smoking, early menstruation, late menopause, being childless or having one’s first child late. The conventional medical treatment for cancer of the breast includes surgery, chemo/radio therapy, targeted therapy or hormone treatment. Although such treatments have been shown to be effective, some negative effects (e.g. weight loss, nausea, pain etc.) are recognized to occur.
Common Misconceptions
Herbal treatments and health supplements can help treat cancer of the breast
No herbal treatments, dietary supplement or alternative therapy happen to be scientifically shown to treat cancer of the breast. How these alternative medicines may connect to established medicines continues to be not known.
A healthy diet plan will make me safe from breast cancer
Although diet does play a role in cancer development, no food or vitamins can prevent cancer of the breast. At the same time, no meals are responsible for causing cancer. However, it's still important to consume a healthy and balanced diet to acquire a variety of nutrients.
Organic foods are suitable for cancer survivorsF
At the moment, there has not been any conclusive evidence to show the effects of these foods on lowering the risk of cancer. Organic foods benefits are very pricey and there is concern of food hygiene safety from manure use within fertilisers. It may increase chance of infections in immune-compromised patients undergoing cancer treatment, thus patients are encouraged to wash, cook and store foods properly.
Sugar feeds cancer
Sugar intake is not shown to directly boost the risk or advancement of cancer. However, refined sugars and beverages possess a substantial quantity of empty calories which could promote putting on weight and may adversely affect cancer outcomes. Consequently, limiting sugary foods and beverages is usually recommended.
Eating vegetables and fruit lower chance of cancer occurrence
Just a few studies exist on whether an eating plan high in vegetables and fruit can reduce the chance of breast cancer recurrence or improve survival. Despite the fact that, breast cancer survivors continue to be encouraged to consume 2 to 3 servings or even more fruits and vegetables. High calories food for cancer patients with poor appetite are encouraged to have a nutritionally balanced diet and consume supplements.
Importance of a respectable diet
A healthy diet doesn't merely prevent one from contracting cancer; it may also help to manage weight, which lowers cancer risk. Nutrition therapy plays a supportive role during active cancer therapy by preventing and treating nutritional issues that are caused by fatigue, vomiting and nausea. Maintaining a proper diet helps patients maintain vitality and make immunity to battle infections to enable them to cope better using the side effects of treatments. To reduce the risk of cancer of the breast and to prevent a relapse in cancer of the breast survivors, an eating plan consisting of mostly plants is usually recommended. Consumption of steak should be limited and processed meat ought to be avoided. Strive for controlled food portions and steer clear of excess calories from sugary or food full of fat to avoid excess weight gain. For patients on tamoxifen or those people who are diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive cancer of the breast, soy food ought to be avoided as research around the risks of soy on breast tumours continues to be inconclusive. You should engage in workout for at least Half an hour or more daily; to lessen the risk of cancer of the breast, aim to conserve a healthy weight and don't smoke tobacco. Nutritional support or nutritional therapy like a form of alternative therapy cannot replace conventional cancer treatment like a sole treatment; however, you should eat well during cancer treatments to acquire adequate nutrition.
Dietary Tips
After cancer of the breast cancer surgery, some patients won't encounter major eating problems, but others might experience eating difficulties because of pain/nausea/vomiting and may be malnourished or underweight. To alleviate these symptoms: • Serve small servings of food frequently • If appetite is poor, take high energy/protein supplements that may be purchased in pharmacies • Eat slowly inside a relaxed environment. • Permit frequent rest periods, especially before you eat.