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Nutrition and Exercise During Breast Cancer Treatment
In this article you will learn about diet, nutrition, and exercise during breast cancer treatment. Regardless of the type of breast cancer treatment you are receiving, this is a time to take special care of yourself by eating right, getting enough rest, and, if possible, exercising.
Exercise During Breast Cancer Treatment
A recent study showed that women with breast cancer who exercised during treatment felt like they had more energy and did not gain as much weight as patients who did not. Swimming, movement and dance, and other programs can offer a physical and emotional boost.
Exercise for breast cancer survivors usually includes physical therapy to improve strength and range of motion in the arm(s), and moderate aerobic exercise (like walking) for about 30 minutes, three or more times a week. Ask your doctor for a referral to an exercise physiologist or program for people with cancer.
Nutrition and Diet During Breast Cancer Treatment
A balanced, healthy diet can provide the nutrients and energy your body needs to heal after breast cancer. Good nutrition also helps you stay strong and feel your best. Nutritional guidelines for breast cancer patients may be different than the recommendations you are used to. Ask your health care provider for nutrition suggestions. If needed, a dietitian or nutritionist can provide an eating plan customized for your needs.
Generally, diets for breast cancer patients are higher in protein, which provides the building blocks your body needs. They also may be higher in calories. Your treatment diet may be modified if you are gaining weight during treatment, which sometimes happens with breast cancer patients.
Some anticancer drugs and other drugs, such as pain medications, may cause constipation. This problem also can occur if your diet lacks enough fluid or fiber, or if you've been in bed for a long time. Your health care provider may suggest you add more fiber to your diet if you have this problem.
WebMD Medical Reference
Breast Cancer Guide
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a new study reveals why a high number of women with the disease still prefer to have the entire breast surgically removed instead of just the tumor. It's not always because doctors recommend it.
