Breast cancer : how to live with it ?

Thanks to the various existing treatments, it is possible to cure breast cancer. The survival rate at least 5 years after diagnosis reaches 90% in high-income countries [1]. However, in low-income regions such as South Africa or India, it is estimated at 40% and 66% [1]. These figures are explained by the fact that early detection of the disease in high-income countries makes treatment more effective. However, it is important to know how to live with the disease during the treatment phase in order to increase patients’ chances of recovery.

I) Facing some eating disorders due to treatment

1. Taste alteration [3]

Most patients who have undergone chemotherapy have experienced taste distortion. This is manifested by a total or partial loss of taste or a misperception of flavors. These taste alterations affect the daily life of patients who develop an aversion to certain dishes and foods. To cope with this situation, it is advisable to avoid mixing foods, eating too much salt and to limit the consumption of red meat which often causes a metallic taste in the mouth. You should rather prefer cold foods, minty candies and chewing gums and dairy products which also calm stomach pains. Cooking with spices, herbs and condiments is recommended to mask unpleasant tastes.

2. Loss of appetite [4]

Approximately 50% of patients experience a decrease in appetite due to the side effects of cancer treatments, anxiety or the disease itself. In order to improve the daily life of patients, it is recommended to break up meals into small quantities and to favour foods with a high caloric content, as these are sources of energy and allow compensation. It is also important to use spices and aromatic herbs to give taste to your dishes. It is important not to take your meals at the same time as your medication and to treat yourself by eating food that you like, while paying attention to your doctor’s recommendations.

3. Mouth ulcers and mucositis [5]

Chemotherapy and radiation often cause inflammation of the lining of the mouth, called canker sores. These conditions are very uncomfortable because they prevent the patient from eating or drinking and can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. They are painful and can worsen and cause ulcers. To fight against the pain caused by canker sores, it is necessary to prefer cold foods that are not very sweet or salty because they have an anesthetic effect on the mucous membrane. It is also recommended to choose meals with unctuous textures such as puree to avoid pain in the mouth. To limit the contact of liquids with the mouth, it is recommended to drink through a straw. Finally, it is important to take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth and tongue regularly and by having dental check-ups.

4. Diarrhea [6]

Cancer treatments can cause bowel movements to be disrupted, leading to dehydration or malnutrition. To avoid this disturbance of intestinal transit, it is necessary to consume foods that slow down transit and increase the consistency of stools such as rice or other starchy foods. It is also recommended to drink frequently to compensate for water loss. However, it is necessary to limit fatty meals and to banish cooked fats, fried foods, cold cuts, and dishes with sauce that accelerate the transit. It is also important to be careful not to consume too many dairy products, fruit juices, raw vegetables rich in fibers that can aggravate diarrhea.

 5. Nausea and vomiting [7]

Nausea and vomiting appear in the hours or days following treatment, especially chemotherapy. They can be occasional or recurrent and cause fatigue, loss of water and mineral salts and therefore weight loss. Nausea is intensified when the stomach is empty. It is advisable to eat several times and in small quantities to avoid rejection. It is also necessary to avoid the odors that are often responsible for nausea. To do this, eat cold meals because they give off less odor, prefer cooking in foil, steam or in the oven and use oven bags or a microwave hood. Finally, coffee, drinks rich in milk and fatty meals should be avoided.

II) Staying physically active before, during and after the disease [8]

While maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can improve patients’ daily lives, engaging in regular physical activity provides many therapeutic benefits before, during, and after the disease. Physical activity helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatments, reduces fatigue and depression, and may also decrease the likelihood of recurrence [2].

The first step is for the patient to prepare both mentally and physically for treatment. Indeed, the physical consequences of breast cancer are numerous and physical activity helps to maintain a good condition to help the body better support the treatment. By being physically active, the patient can increase muscle mass and decrease body fat, which leads to greater resistance to the side effects of treatment, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Secondly, when treatment begins, it is important for patients to remain active throughout the treatment period because it causes a great deal of fatigue. This fatigue is due to a sedentary lifestyle, which must be combated through regular physical activity. Physical activity during treatment also helps to stimulate the immune system following surgery by strengthening the natural defenses against cancer cells. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and allows oxygenation of tissues which contributes to their repair. It also reduces sleep and concentration problems. Physical activity helps limit the side effects, pain and toxicity of treatments while increasing the feeling of pleasure in patients.

Regular physical activity increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of recurrence after recovery.

Several activities can be adapted to breast cancer patients. One or more of the following activities is recommended for one hour, two to three times a week:

• Dance: to help patients regain mobility, flexibility and balance.
• Gymnastics: to awaken the whole body, strengthen muscle mass and stretch the body to improve the ability to move without difficulty.
• Swimming: to develop endurance, improve breathing capacity, strengthen muscle mass and provide flexibility.
• Walking: Suitable for beginners and the more experienced, walking improves endurance, cardiovascular conditions and strengthens muscle mass. This activity is done in an outdoor setting and helps reduce stress, low morale, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

III) Managing multiple emotions

Breast cancer is a disease known to cause physical damage, but it is important to consider that it can also have a psychological and emotional impact. Although every patient is different, the disease can cause strong emotions in some people because of the changes brought on by the disease and treatment. Uncertainty, anxiety, fear, sadness and anger are emotions that frequently arise and here are some ways to deal with them:

• Consult a professional to help you better understand your emotions.
• Practice a physical activity to take your mind off things and stay busy.
• Allow yourself to be distracted and forget about the illness.
• Don’t feel responsible for what is happening.
• Don’t hide your emotions, as it is important to get them out in the open so you can control them better.
• Communicate with your doctor to find solutions.
• Remain positive and get involved in the treatment process.
• Maintain a routine and continue to do your daily activities as much as possible to keep a certain stability.
• Remain surrounded by your loved ones and avoid the isolation that can lead to depression.
• Dare to ask questions to the health care team who can advise you on how to improve your daily life.
• Learn about your disease from professionals to understand each step of the treatment

If you would like to learn more about the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, click here

SOURCES :

[1] Breast Cancer – WHO – Available at: Breast cancer (who.int)

[2] ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN BREAST CANCER – VIDAL- Available at: Adapted physical activity in breast cancer – VIDAL

[3] Taste alterations – Biogaran France – Available on: Taste alterations – CCOFE (www.contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

[4] Loss of appetite – Biogaran France – Available on: Loss of appetite | CCOFE (contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

[5] Mouth ulcers and mucositis – Biogaran France – Available on: Mouth ulcers and mucositis | CCOFE (contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

[6] Diarrhea – Biogaran France – Available on: Diarrhea | CCOFE (contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

[7] Nausea and vomiting – Biogaran France – Available on: Nausea and vomiting | CCOFE (contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

[8] The benefits of physical activity – Biogaran France – Available on: The benefits of physical activity | CCOFE (contrelecanceronfaitequipe.fr)

POI 0723-09/22