Diet & Exercise
Eating Well After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
By Kathryn Ennis, RD, Sobeys Registered Dietitian

Nov 5, 2009

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that 22,700 Canadian woman and 180 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Current research suggests that up to 35% of cancers may be prevented by eating well, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight. After a diagnosis of breast cancer, many survivors are concerned about their well-being and dietary choices. Making healthy diet and lifestyle choices can help improve your overall well-being and may help lower the risk of a breast cancer recurrence. The following tips can help you get back on track after a diagnosis of breast cancer:

Aim for a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce your risk of a breast cancer recurrence. If you are overweight or gain significant weight after your diagnosis, you may have a greater risk of a recurrence and lower overall survival rate. If you are overweight aim for a gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. Following Canada's Food Guide and incorporating regular physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight.

A Balanced Plate is a Healthy Plate

There is no single food or supplement that can provide all the nutrients that you need. Following Canada's Food Guide can direct you towards a well balanced, low fat diet.  A diet low in fat may lower the risk of a breast cancer recurrence and may help you stay at a healthy weight. Try the following tips to get you started on a well balanced diet:

• Aim for at least 3 of the 4 food groups per meal and 1-2 food groups per snack.
• Aim for 7-10 servings of colourful vegetables and fruit each day. Vegetables and fruit are generally low in fat and calories and provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
• Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day. Choosing whole grains over refined products can provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Try whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, and rice. Read nutrition labels to choose foods higher in fibre.
• Choose lower fat servings from both the milk and alternatives and meat and alternatives food groups.
• Limit your intake of red and processed meats. Incorporate lean poultry, fish, and meat alternatives such as beans and legumes more often.

Don't Forget Your Calcium and Side Order of Vitamin D

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is important for strong bones and teeth. Some breast cancer treatments may increase your risk for bone loss and therefore increasing your daily calcium requirements. The milk and alternatives food group has the most calcium rich sources. Foods in this group include milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified soy beverages. Adults aged 19-50 years require 1000 mg of calcium daily; adults over 50 years of age require 1200 mg of calcium daily.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. New research suggests that vitamin D may benefit breast cancer survivors. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, milk, margarine, some yogurts, liver, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and tuna. Health Canada recommends that adults over the age of 50 should take a vitamin D supplement of at least 400 IU. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your individual needs and whether a calcium and/or vitamin D supplement is right for you.

Soy & Flax: Friend or Foe?

Flaxseeds, soybeans and soy products contain phytoestrogens, estrogen-like chemicals that are found in plants. Flax and soy products provide many health benefits however researchers are uncertain of the effect of phytoestrogens on the health of a breast cancer survivor. Currently there is not enough significant evidence to recommend the intake of these products, or how much is safe. If you have family history of breast cancer, are a survivor, or are undergoing treatments, you should talk to your Oncologist before having flax and soy products and/or supplements.

Limit Alcohol

There is limited evidence on the effect of alcohol intake after a breast cancer diagnosis. However, there is convincing evidence to support an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. Any amount of alcohol increases your risk for many cancers no matter the type of alcoholic beverage (liquor, wine or beer).  Alcohol does provide empty calories with little nutritive value. These extra calories can also promote weight gain. Women who choose to drink should limit their intake to one a day. Men should limit their intake to 2 drinks per day.

Make Your Move, Make it Count!

Physical activity is an important factor for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Studies suggest that exercise can help improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors and may improve their survival rate. If you are currently inactive, start slow aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity (i.e. walking, cycling, swimming) each day. You do not have to do it all at once. You can add up your activities, 10 minutes at a time, to get that daily total.

These tips may help lower your risk of a cancer recurrence. If you have experienced significant weight loss or are having difficulty eating please speak with your doctor or a Registered Dietitian about your individual nutritional needs.

To find a Registered Dietitian in your area contact your local Sobeys store or visit the "Find a Nutrition Professional" link on the Dietitians of Canada website at www.dietitians.ca. 

Source: Canadian Cancer Society, Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition (Dietitians of Canada), Health Canada, American Institute of Cancer Research.

Kathryn Ennis, RD, Sobeys Registered Dietitian
Sobeys Northwest Centre
Sobeys Pharmacy
1380 Mountain Rd
Moncton, NB E1C 2T8
Tel: 506-854-0993