5 Habits That May Help Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence

Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that nobody wants to repeat. There is no sure-fire way to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. However, these lifestyle changes have been shown to reduce the risk that the cancer returns.

Do Not Neglect Weight Training

It is natural to be worried about a cancer recurrence once you have received the dreaded diagnosis. It is important to remember that the chance of recurrence is low in people who had early-stage cancer. You can reduce this risk further by engaging in healthy habits.

Oncologists routinely stress the importance of a solid exercise routine as a preventative measure. Research has been clear that those with stages I-III breast cancer had a 24% lower risk of recurrence when they exercised regularly. A consistent exercise routine will inherently promote a healthier weight and lower the chance that the cancer progresses.

In addition to the usual cardiovascular exercises, it is also important to incorporate strength training into a routine. Cancer treatments can negatively impact bone density and cause muscle loss, making a good strength training routine even more important. This is especially crucial for women who are on preventative anti-estrogen treatments. Making strength training a cornerstone of your exercise routine can also boost energy levels and improve overall physical functioning.

Do Not Shy Away from Soy Entirely

It used to be that medical care providers advised breast cancer patients to avoid soy. This is because some experts believed that the estrogen-like compounds found in soy products, known as isoflavones, could mimic the estrogen hormone and increase the chance of a recurrence.

New research signals that the opposite may be true. The latest data shows that eating soy foods has been linked to a 26% lower risk of breast cancer returning. This is most true for women who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to enjoy a moderate intake of whole soy foods such as soy milk, tofu, and edamame. However, it is probably a good idea to avoid concentrated soy isoflavone supplements or specific soy protein powders.

Limit Alcohol Use

One of the easiest things to do to reduce the chance of a breast cancer recurrence is to simply limit your alcohol intake. Health care providers hypothesize that alcohol raises estrogen levels, translating to an increased risk of recurrence.

While the precise link between alcohol intake and cancer has not been determined, there is no downside to limiting your consumption. The latest research suggests that having less than one drink per day may increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer by 9%. When it comes to avoiding cancer, every percentage point of risk reduction counts for something. Not to mention, increased alcohol intake has been definitively tied to a higher risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

Read Personal Care Product Labels

There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about the connection between some ingredients in personal care products and cancer prevalence. Despite the chatter about the risks of some hair dyes, antiperspirants, and other personal hygiene products, researchers have not found a clear link between their use and the risk of cancer in humans.

It is true that some of the ingredients in these products may disrupt the body's hormone production. The ingredients that have been shown to potentially increase cancer in animals include phthalates and parabens. The best course of action is to read these labels carefully and try to choose products that are designated as paraben-free and phthalate-free for an extra layer of protection.

Guard Your Mental Health

It is understandable to feel anxious or depressed after a cancer diagnosis, especially if you are worried about a recurrence. Many patients report feeling hyperaware of unrelated physical symptoms as well as sleep problems.

Your mental health can have a direct impact on your physical health, making it important to prioritize taking care of the whole body. Managing stress levels may naturally lower the chance of a breast cancer recurrence.

A good starting point is to be conscious about compartmentalizing your cancer worries to keep them separate from the rest of your life. Recommended strategies include regular exercise, meditation, getting a massage, journaling, and spending time with loved ones. Some patients also report a mental health boost after connecting with a breast cancer support group.

You can also help to reduce the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis by being proactive about your health. Scheduling regular mammograms and having a plan to lower the chance of a recurrence will give you confidence that you are doing everything that you can to keep the cancer at bay.

Once you have completed all of the recommended medical treatments to eradicate the cancer, following these strategies will go a long way in helping you to stay healthy.

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