The daily choices that extend life beyond cancer treatment
In short: After the intensive rounds of chemotherapy or radiation, a new challenge begins: managing the long-term risk of recurrence. While medical interventions are vital, your everyday habits—from how much you move to how you manage medication side effects—offer a powerful, ongoing opportunity to protect your health.
The period following primary treatments like mastectomies, lobectomies, or radiation is often focused on recovery, yet the risk of recurrence or new diagnoses remains a long-term concern. Dr. Marisa Weiss, an oncologist and breast cancer survivor, emphasizes that maintaining the prescribed medical regimen is critical. For many, this includes daily hormonal therapies prescribed for five to ten years. A common hurdle is the tendency to stop these medications as years pass, or to abandon them due to side effects. However, patients are encouraged to consult doctors about managing these effects or switching to alternatives rather than simply stopping treatment.
Lifestyle modifications serve as a secondary layer of defense. Studies indicate that controlling your body mass can lower the likelihood of developing 13 or more various cancers, such as breast cancer. This involves dietary choices, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables and potentially choosing organic options to avoid certain parasites. Dr. Weiss suggests eating smaller meals and limiting alcohol consumption to five or fewer drinks per week. Notably, some research indicates that there is no truly safe level of alcohol, and further reduction can lower risk.
Physical activity is another cornerstone of prevention. While three to four hours of exercise per week is beneficial, five to seven hours is even better. Activity that increases heart rate and breathing can reduce risk through mechanisms not strictly related to weight, such as altering body chemistry. Other biological factors, such as breastfeeding for extended periods or having children at a younger age, have also been linked to lower risks. While some studies explore the use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for risk reduction, these must be approached with caution and medical supervision due to risks like stomach ulcers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Reduce Your Risk of Recurrence | Breast Cancer
- Also: Reducing your risk of breast cancer
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