Making changes to your diet and lifestyle may assist you in the prevention of breast cancer. If you already have it, the correct foods and supplements can also help manage treatment side effects and assist in reducing the risk of recurrence.
It is always best to speak with your doctor or a dietitian before trying a “novel” diet to ensure the likely benefits outweigh any risk of harm.
Always aim for as much variety as possible, as no single “superfood” has all the answers to good health.
During treatment
You may find that your diet varies from day to day depending on how you feel, the type of treatment you have been given, how your foods taste, if you have a sore mouth, or feel nauseous etc.
Anxiety and depression can also have a big effect on eating habits and the enjoyment of food. Try to take things one day at a time and seek assistance from your medical team.
A few hints and tips:
- Monitor your weight each week and let your medical team know if you notice a sudden weight change.
- If you are overweight, keeping your strength up may be more important to your health than losing weight, whilst you are receiving treatment.
- If you have a poor appetite, consider having several small meals in the day, foods which are softer and have added sauces can be more palatable. Asking for help with cooking and shopping will help you to preserve your energy.
- Some people find foods and drinks containing ginger can help with nausea. Colder foods with less smell can also be easier to manage.
- Changes to bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea may affect your eating habits. Drink plenty of fluid and be sure to include dietary fibre, as it is important for good digestive health.
- You may find soups, stews and juices are an easier way to include enough fruits and vegetables daily.
- Try to include some protein rich foods with your meals, such as meat, fish, beans, lentils, eggs and dairy foods.
- Avoid highly processed foods and sugary sodas.
Ensure you discuss any vitamin supplements or herbal medicines you may be taking with your oncologist, as some of these can interact with medical treatments.
Please note: Reach for Recovery is a non-medical organisation. For personalised lifestyle guidance you should always speak to your medical team which may include an oncologist, general practitioner, dietitian, physiotherapist, biokineticist and psychologist.
