Long-term wellness in breast cancer remission involves a nutritious diet, exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, and managing treatment complications.
It’s important to take care of your health during breast cancer remission.
Taking steps such as developing a physical fitness routine, eating a nutrition-packed diet, getting plenty of sleep, looking after your mental well-being, and managing your heart and bone health, can be key to your wellness during remission.
These steps are important to your overall health, and some are linked to a reduction in breast cancer recurrence. Your healthcare team can help you map out the best steps for you as you enter breast cancer remission.
Maintaining a healthy fitness and activity level can help your overall wellness. It can lower your risk while you’re in breast cancer remission and is linked with better outcomes.
There’s a link between physical activity and risk of recurrence for some cancers.
Exercise has additional known benefits. For instance, it can help raise energy levels, increase strength and flexibility, reduce stress, improve your overall mood, and reduce cancer-related fatigue.
The American College of Sports Medicine has set evidence-based physical activity recommendations for those living with cancer and anyone who has completed treatment. In general, they recommend 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity each week.
Common exercises in breast cancer remission might include:
- strength training
- walking and jogging
- swimming
- aerobics
- cardio fitness
- yoga
- dance
A nutritious diet in breast cancer remission is an important part of overall wellness. It includes making choices such as incorporating more whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables into your meals.
General dietary guidelines during breast cancer remission may include:
- limiting or avoiding alcohol
- limiting added sugars
- adding a variety of fruits to your diet
- limiting or avoiding saturated fats
- choosing healthy fats such as those found in nuts, avocados, eggs, and fish
- avoiding processed meats such as bacon and sausage
- focusing on lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, nuts, and beans
- adding vegetables to your meals, especially leafy greens, red vegetables, peas, beans, and lentils
- limiting refined carbs such as those found in white bread, white rice, and pastries
- adding whole grains such as oats, whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta
Is it a good idea to eat soy when in breast cancer remission?
Soy is rich in isoflavones which has estrogen-like properties in the body. According Susan G. Komen, soy has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, this isn’t a confirmed link and more research is needed.
Taking care of your mental well-being is a key piece of your health throughout life. It can be especially important during breast cancer remission.
You can take self-care steps such as:
- Counseling: Having counseling sessions can be a great way to talk through your emotions and thoughts about your diagnosis, treatment, and outlook.
- Support groups: Support groups for people with breast cancer can help you connect with other people who have shared your experiences and fears.
- Social supports: Turning to your existing social network, such as family and friends, can be an important way to get support during breast cancer remission.
- Meditation: Meditation can help you gain awareness of your thoughts and reduce your stress.
Breast cancer treatments can sometimes lower your bone density. For instance, chemotherapy can affect the ovaries, leading to early menopause. This can increase your risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Not everyone who receives these treatments will experience reduced bone density. Factors such as the health of your bones before treatment can also play a key role.
If your bone density is affected, treatments might include:
- bisphosphonate medications to strengthen bones
- raloxifene to reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- denosumab to reduce the risk of fracture
- teriparatide to reduce the risk of osteoporosis for people who are unable to take bisphosphonates or denosumab
Some breast cancer treatments can increase the risk of heart disease. For instance, radiation is linked to an
Lifestyle steps are often the best way to help lower this increased risk, such as:
- increasing activity levels
- achieving or maintaining a healthy weight for your body
- following a heart-healthy diet
- quitting smoking, if you smoke
- limiting or not drinking alcohol
It’s important to continue seeing your oncologist and cancer team after your treatment is complete.
Typically, you’ll see your team 1 to 4 times a year for the next 5 years. Beyond the 5-year mark, your primary care doctor or your oncologist will still monitor you to ensure breast cancer hasn’t recurred.
During follow-up visits, your healthcare team might:
- check for breast cancer recurrence
- help you manage any side effects or complications
- discuss your progress toward goals, such as weight loss or smoking cessation
- discuss genetic screening for additional cancers
- order a mammogram
- provide referrals to counseling, support groups, physical therapy, and services
It’s common to have concerns linked to fatigue and your sleep cycle while in breast cancer remission. This can lessen as you readjust to your regular routine.
Sometimes, additional steps can help. These can include:
- getting physical activity every day (usually earlier in the day)
- going to bed at the same time each night
- establishing good sleep hygiene
- trying meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques before bed
- having cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop better sleep patterns
Taking care of your overall wellness during breast cancer remission is a key piece of your healthcare plan.
You can look after yourself by staying active, eating a nutritious diet, managing your mental health, getting enough rest, and monitoring your bone and heart health.
Your care team can help you take these steps and meet self-care goals during your follow-up appointments. This might include prescribing medications, helping to develop diets or exercise plans, or making referrals to therapists and support groups.