Breastfeeding Counselor Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Three Weeks After Starting “Health Kick”: How Diet & Exercise Influences Cancer Risk

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She immediately started going through radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and the cancer will need to be monitored over the next four years. Despite the diagnosis, Maree was still determined to embrace her new healthy lifestyle. She continued going to the gym and working with a personal trainer so she could get stronger and be healthier. “I find the gym classes offer a real opportunity to be mindful your only job is to maintain correct form and do the exercise for the allotted time, with your heart rate in the desired zone,” Maree said. “I found this very therapeutic, particularly while in the active part of my cancer treatment.”

The whole experience not only taught Maree how important prioritizing our health is, but also how resilient all of us can be during difficult times. Now, Maree is determined to continue eating clean and building strength so she can feel comfortable and strong.

Dr. Brian Berman explains the role of the Western diet and cancer risk

Role of Lifestyle in Cancer Risk

When it comes to trying to prevent a cancer diagnosis, there are a few factors to consider. Making sure we are healthy is important for our everyday lives, and that means prioritizing a healthy diet and consistently being active.  Although there's been no scientific evidence to prove a certain diet or amount of exercise causes or prevents cancer, there is a definite link. For example, among the women who exercised regularly, their risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer dropped by 12%.

As for diet, it's recommended to practice moderation as much as possible. Cancer risk can be linked to consuming high amounts of sugar, carbs, and overcooked processed meats. That's why it's important to balance your cravings with nutritious foods such as dark green, red and orange vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. By making sure you eat a balanced diet, this can decrease inflammation which is often associated with cancer risk.

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In addition to affecting your cancer risk, lifestyle can play an important role in going through active cancer treatment as well. While it’s important to not lose weight while going through certain treatments such as chemotherapy, a healthy diet can strengthen your immune system which can help you push through treatment. Additionally, doing light exercises such as yoga can also lend itself as a stress reliever, which is helpful for one’s emotional health.

“Diet, exercise, and stress control are extremely important when going through both cancer therapy, as well as once you’re done treating your cancer and trying to get back to the rest of your life,” Dr. Sairah Ahmed, a medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, previously told SurvivorNet. “You want to have a moderate diet where you’re including lots of fruits and vegetables, but you’re still eating fat and protein. You want to maintain physical exercise. The more physically fit you are going through your cancer treatment, the less side effects you’ll have and the faster you’ll get back to your normal quality of life.”

Dr. Sairah Ahmed explains the role of diet and exercise while fighting cancer

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