Lifestyle habits of breast cancer patients

  The progression of breast cancer disease itself or the adverse effects during treatment may lead to malnutrition, and overweight due to overeating is also one of the problems faced by breast cancer patients during their recovery period. Cancer patients are also at high risk for second primary cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, so proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are especially important during the recovery period of breast cancer patients. Maintaining a healthy weight, adequate physical activity and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of disease recurrence and increase the probability of disease-free survival.  1. Diet and Nutrition There is no evidence that a certain type of food and diet is associated with the recurrence or metastasis of breast cancer.  (1) The main recommendation of the American Cancer Society (ACS) is to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, coarse grains and soy products. Public health in the United States recommends that adults drink at least 2.0 to 3.0 glasses of vegetable juice and 1.5 to 2.0 glasses of fruit juice daily. In some observational studies, high vegetable and coarse grain intake in breast cancer survivors was associated with a 43% reduction in overall mortality. Dietary supplements (e.g. multivitamins) are not recommended at this time.  (2) Placenta and its products and health supplements of unknown composition need to be contraindicated.  2. Exercise During the rehabilitation period, you should choose an aerobic exercise that is suitable for you and can be adhered to throughout your life. Regular exercise is recommended, with at least 150 min of moderate intensity exercise per week and strength training twice a week. Some recommended exercises are brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, tai chi, and aerobic dance.  Balanced diet and aerobic exercise can strengthen the immune system, effectively reduce mental stress, improve sleep, relieve fatigue caused by cancer and its treatment, and increase the body’s resistance to disease.  3. Establish a healthy lifestyle: (1) maintain a normal weight; (2) adhere to daily exercise; (3) reduce alcohol intake and do not smoke; (4) use health care products carefully.