Breast Cancer
Goal and principles
Section titled “Goal and principles”Goals: getting through the treatment trajectory better (fewer complications, maintaining muscle mass and fitness), better quality of life, and optimizing modifiable factors (weight, metabolic health, fitness).
Lifestyle cannot guarantee to prevent metastases, but can support your recovery and resilience.
What happens in the body?
Section titled “What happens in the body?”Breast cancer has different subtypes (e.g. hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, triple-negative). Subtypes differ in growth and sensitivity to treatment.
Warburg effect (brief)
Section titled “Warburg effect (brief)”Many cancer cells use relatively much glycolysis (glucose consumption) with lactate production, even with sufficient oxygen (Warburg effect). This is related to changes in the tumor microenvironment.
It does not mean that nutrition can cure cancer, but supports the importance of metabolic health (weight, insulin sensitivity, muscle mass and fitness).
What can you do yourself during treatment?
Section titled “What can you do yourself during treatment?”1. Exercise
Section titled “1. Exercise”Exercise supports fitness, muscle mass, mood and fatigue. In studies, more exercise after diagnosis is associated with more favorable outcomes.
- Daily: 10-30 min gentle walking/cycling, in short blocks if needed
- 2-3x per week: light strength/resistance (muscle maintenance), possibly with guidance
- Bad day: 3x 5 min is also beneficial
2. Nutrition
Section titled “2. Nutrition”Basis during treatment: sufficient protein, energy and fluids. Choose mainly unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods that you tolerate. Limit sugary drinks and highly processed products.
For unintended weight loss: priority is to get enough intake again.
3. Sleep and stress
Section titled “3. Sleep and stress”Work with a fixed rhythm, morning light and a calm evening ritual. Mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral interventions can reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve quality of life.
4. Social support and mindset
Section titled “4. Social support and mindset”Social support is practically and medically relevant (accompanying, helping plan, exercising together). Reviews in breast cancer show in multiple studies an association between social support and more favorable disease outcomes.
A helpful mindset is realistic hope and self-efficacy: small achievable steps, every day anew.
- Plan 1 contact moment daily
- Choose 2-3 daily anchors: short walk, protein moment, sleep ritual
- Ask for help in time: that is a strategy
Supplements (during treatment)
Section titled “Supplements (during treatment)”Be cautious, especially with high-dose antioxidants and herbal preparations. There may be interactions and some therapies work partly through oxidative stress. Use supplements preferably only with a clear indication (deficiency or symptom) and after coordination with oncology/pharmacist.
Sometimes appropriate (after treatment team approval)
Section titled “Sometimes appropriate (after treatment team approval)”- Vitamin D: correct deficiency; preferably target blood level
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): may fit with low fish intake
- Magnesium: for cramps/deficiency
- Ginger: for nausea
- Melatonin (low dose): for sleep problems or disrupted day-night rhythm
Better to avoid (unless treatment team advises otherwise)
Section titled “Better to avoid (unless treatment team advises otherwise)”- High-dose antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, E, A, beta-carotene, NAC, CoQ10)
- Herbs/extracts with potential interactions (e.g. curcumin, resveratrol, St. John’s wort, ashwagandha, red clover)
- Detox cures and concentrated vegetable or herbal powders
After treatment: recovery and risk reduction
Section titled “After treatment: recovery and risk reduction”Core: exercise (fitness and strength), healthy weight with muscle mass retention, and a nutritious eating pattern. Preferably no alcohol. Discuss persistent complaints (fatigue, neuropathy, bone health, sleep) in time.
Checklist for coordination with your treatment team
Section titled “Checklist for coordination with your treatment team”- Unintended weight loss, insufficient intake or signs of malnutrition
- Diabetes or use of blood sugar-lowering medication
- Blood thinners/clotting problems
- All supplements including dosage and brand
- Severe or persistent sleep problems, depression or anxiety symptoms
- Chest pain, significant shortness of breath or unexplained symptoms: always have medically assessed
References
Section titled “References”- WCRF/AICR CUP Global - Physical activity and breast cancer prognosis - Systematic review/meta-analysis (2023)
- American Cancer Society - Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors
- NCI PDQ - Cancer therapy interactions with foods and dietary supplements
- Nausheen B et al. Social support and cancer progression: systematic review - J Psychosom Res 2009
- Kroenke CH et al. Social networks, social support, and survival after breast cancer diagnosis - J Clin Oncol 2006
- Kim Y, Je Y. Vitamin D intake, blood 25(OH)D levels, and breast cancer mortality: meta-analysis - Br J Cancer 2014
Veelgestelde vragen
Can lifestyle help with breast cancer?
Lifestyle can help with resilience, recovery and quality of life, alongside regular oncological treatment. Goals are: getting through the treatment trajectory better with fewer complications, maintaining muscle mass and fitness, and optimizing weight and metabolic health.
How much exercise is recommended during breast cancer treatment?
Daily 10-30 minutes of gentle walking or cycling, possibly in short blocks. Additionally 2-3x per week light strength or resistance training for muscle maintenance. On a bad day, 3x 5 minutes is also beneficial.
Which supplements are safe during breast cancer treatment?
Be cautious. After approval from the treatment team, possibly: vitamin D for deficiency, omega-3 for low fish intake, magnesium for cramps/deficiency. Avoid high-dose antioxidants and herbs with potential interactions without consultation.
What is the Warburg effect?
Many cancer cells use relatively much glycolysis with lactate production, even with sufficient oxygen. This does not mean that nutrition can cure cancer, but supports the importance of metabolic health (weight, insulin sensitivity, muscle mass).
Medische Disclaimer: De informatie van Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn over leefstijl, ziektes en stoornissen mag niet worden opgevat als medisch advies. In geen geval adviseren wij mensen om hun bestaande behandeling te veranderen. We raden mensen met chronische aandoeningen aan om zich over hun behandeling goed door bevoegde medische professionals te laten adviseren.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided by Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn regarding lifestyle, diseases, and disorders should not be construed as medical advice. Under no circumstances do we advise people to alter their existing treatment. We recommend that people with chronic conditions seek advice regarding their treatment from qualified medical professionals.