Breast cancer is widespread. It accounts for a third of all cancer incidence among women [1]. The survival rate of breast cancer patients has improved these days tremendously with better treatment and early detection. A majority (80% to 90%) of those diagnosed at early stages (stage I and II) continue to live healthy after their initial diagnosis [2]. However, being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment remains a terrible experience!
As a naturopath, I advise breast cancer patients with a naturopathic approach assisting their treatments. As a caregiver, I have the personal experience to support my wife in her healing journey. As a researcher, I am interested in advances in integrating complementary medicine to conventional cancer treatment. While every patient is different in her healing, a change in dietary practice and lifestyle is always recommended to reduce unwanted side-effects, enhance the immune system, and improve quality of life [3]. In time, living with a healthier diet and lifestyle also can lead to a better survival rate.
I have prepared a handout on some recommended changes based on evidence and clinical experience. I hope this can be a useful resource for breast cancer patients undergoing treatment and post-treatment recovery.
Please download the handout from the following link.
Feel free to post me any question or feedback.
You may also want to check out my previous postings on cancer treatment support.
Soursop – A natural anti-cancer remedy
Fasting to support cancer treatment
Meditation for cancer care
Gut microbiota and cancer prevention
Egg consumption and cancer risk
A rice bran derivative proven to improve chance of cancer survival: Study
Nine types of cancer-fighting greens
Walk away cancer!
Essential oils and cancer treatment support
Soy is GOOD for breast cancer patients
Fermented rice bran helps to fight cancer
Surviving cancer, five years on…
Coping with chemotherapy, my advice to a friend
My wife’s diet plan during chemo treatment
References
[1] National Cancer Centre Singapore, Cancer Statistics, (n.d.). https://www.nccs.com.sg/patient-care/cancer-types/cancer-statistics (accessed May 17, 2019).
[2] Living longer with breast cancer – CNA, (n.d.). https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/advertorial/living-longer-with-breast-cancer-10691236 (accessed May 17, 2019).
[3] D. Lemanne, V. Maizes, Advising Women Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review, J. Altern. Complement. Med. 24 (2018) 902–909. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0150.
Thank you for sharing, it is very informative. This is definitely achievable when all meals are cooked at home. How about eating out in Singapore? Personally, I am a BC patient undergoing treatment right now and have anxieties when I think about the inevitable need for me to eat out (e.g. lunch at work, social gatherings) as the options are so limited (or maybe I am not looking at the right places).
Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.
Regards,
Samantha
Thank you, Samantha, for sharing. Eating out is indeed a problem. To keep a healthy diet, especially during and after cancer treatment, you need to search for healthy eating places. It takes effort and perseverance, as well as understanding and support from your family and friends. However, there are definitely a number of healthy vegan restaurants in Singapore, such as Genesis (https://www.facebook.com/genesisvegan/), Sunny Choice (https://www.sunnychoice.com.sg/), New Green Pasture (https://www.happycow.net/reviews/new-green-pasture-cafe-central-singapore-10358) and Loving Hut (https://lovinghut.com.sg/).
Keep it up. I wish you a quick recovery.
Thank you for replying and happy lunar new year.