Cancer Advice – Breast Cancer nutrition

To lower your risk of cancer enjoy a healthy diet, be physically active every day and maintain a healthy body weight.

Recommendations for healthy eating promote a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains & beans. Limits are suggested for ‘fast foods’ & processed food high in fat, starches & sugars. Eat moderate amounts of red meats such as beef, pork & lamb & eat minimal processed meats. Cut down on sugar-sweetened drinks. Limit alcohol consumption; avoid if possible.

Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to continue eating well to give you more energy and strength; to help manage symptoms & side effects of treatment and to improve response to cancer treatment.

During cancer treatment, some people find it difficult to eat enough or they may have trouble eating some foods. Often there are side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of taste & smell and nausea & vomiting. There are ways to manage side effects & minimise their impact. You will need to be flexible with your food choices. Your food intake may need to be supplemented with extra protein & energy so that you maintain your weight at this time. 

The food intake & nutrition of others with a cancer diagnosis may not be affected by treatment or only for short periods of time. Remember to resume healthy eating routines as soon as you can.

Eating Guidelines for after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are the 2 most important lifestyle choices that you can act upon to improve your overall health and help lower the chance of breast cancer returning.

The following will assist you to achieve a healthy weight & is consistent with dietary recommendations for prevention of cancer & heart disease. Choose an abundance of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains & beans. Choose foods that are high in fibre and low in fat. Limit processed foods that are high in sugar & fat. Include some healthy fat (e.g. olive oil & canola oil).

Some cancer treatments increase risk for bone loss. Assessing Calcium & Vitamin D status & dietary intake for these nutrients is important.

It is recommended to avoid alcohol.

Often there is a multitude of questions in the area of Breast Cancer nutrition. Omega-3 fats, phytoestrogens & supplements are other important topics discussed. Cathy will use her knowledge & past experience to answer your questions.