Priorities for Breast Cancer Survivors

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§ Manage your weight, the single biggest risk factor for recurrence

§ Eat moderately. The plate model provides a good balance of calories and nutrients that are helpful in limiting cancer risk.

§  Be physically active, an independent factor lowering recurrence rates in cancer

§  Adopt a plant-based diet for the fiber and phytochemical benefits they provideIncrease the amount/variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, which can include soy. The Women’s Healthy Eating and Living study(WHEL) found that this reduced recurrence risk even more when combined with exercise.

§  Choose healthy fats and grill meats safelyLimit total fat, especially trans, saturated and Omega 6 fats that encourage inflammatory processes and suppress immune function.  Red meat should be limited to 12 - 18 oz (over 3 meals) a weekProcessed meats should be avoided almost entirely.

You can read more about these on the aicr.org website:  

https://www.aicr.org/news/does-eating-less-meat-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer-what-a-new-study-adds-to-the-picture/

https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/processed-meat/

§  Eat fewer processed carbohydratesThese elevate blood sugar and insulin levels, especially if you are insulin resistant

§  Drink plenty of low sugar fluids and limit alcohol

Filtered water, vegetable juices, teas and low-fat milk are good choices

You can read more about alcohol and cancer on the aicr.org website:

https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/alcohol-and-cancer-risk-what-you-need-to-know/