Nutritional Therapy for Breast Cancer – Gettysburg Connection

by Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABO

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated in countries around the world to raise awareness and awareness about early detection and treatment of the disease. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, it is the second most common disease in American women, after skin cancer.

Each year, approximately 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States. While advances in medical treatment have improved survival rates, proper nutrition plays a critical role in supporting patients’ overall health, immune function and resilience throughout their cancer journey.

Breast cancer and its treatment can have a profound impact on a patient’s nutritional status. Many people with breast cancer experience a change in their appetite. Some don’t want to eat at all. Others can be turned off by certain foods. It is important to remember that good nutrition is the key to overcoming many side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Breast cancer patients often experience changes in body composition, such as muscle loss and weight gain, which can further complicate their nutritional needs.

Nutritional therapy for breast cancer patients aims to address these challenges by optimizing nutrient intake to:

• Support immune function: A well-nourished body has a stronger immune system and is better equipped to fight cancer cells and deal with the side effects of treatments.

• Maintain a healthy body weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is critical to reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and managing treatment-related symptoms.

• Minimize treatment side effects: Proper nutrition can help alleviate common side effects and improve the overall quality of life for breast cancer patients.

• Promote healing and recovery: Adequate nutrition supports tissue repair and recovery.

• Reduce the risk of recurrence: Certain dietary habits can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

It’s important to emphasize a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. These foods provide important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support overall health. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and repair. Include foods like poultry, fish, beans and tofu in your diet. Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and vegetables contribute to digestive health and can relieve constipation, a common side effect of some treatments. Healthy omega-3 fats found in fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts may have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart health. Adequate fluid intake is important, especially during treatments that may result in fluid loss or dehydration.

It’s important to minimize your consumption of processed and sugary foods, as these can contribute to weight gain and inflammation. Limit alcohol consumption as it is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Some studies suggest a link between high consumption of red and processed meat and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Nutritional therapy for breast cancer is an integral part of the holistic approach to breast cancer treatment. By eating a balanced, healthy diet, patients can improve their overall well-being, better manage treatment-related side effects, and potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Nourishing the body is not just about healing, but also about strengthening the mind on this challenging journey.

Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABOis the Medical Director of Medical Weight Management at UPMC Central PA Weight Management Center. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through good nutrition, regular exercise and mental health support. To learn more about medical weight management at UPMC of Central Pennsylvania, call 717-591-5638 or visit UPMC.com/CentralPaWeightLoss.