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Health & Fitness

Who Is Watching Now?

In tribute to Novato's Relay For Life, Novato Patch features excerpts from Juliane Cortino's forthcoming book, "Nothing Can Scare Me Now," to be released in late June.

     When the cancer treatments were finished, there was a moment of exhilaration followed by a flash of panic. I was excited to be freed from the daily hospital regimen. But I was anxious, too. Who was watching over me now? I learned that those feelings are typical. It helps to have some constructive ideas for leading the rest of one’s life.

     There is no way to prevent cancer, of course. But the medical community continues to investigate diet and lifestyle changes that may thwart getting cancer to begin with or help keep it from recurring. As Dr. Susan Love notes in her Breast Book, a “breast cancer prevention diet” does not exist. But a diet low in animal and saturated fat and high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will be more healthy overall.

     Among the first things cancer survivors do is investigate organic foods. I did. There are no studies to show whether there are health benefits, or cancer-reducing benefits, derived from eating organic. However, these foods do reduce exposure to some chemicals. True organic plant foods are grown without pesticides and genetic alteration. Food that comes from animals, such as eggs, dairy products, poultry and meat, must be given no growth hormones and no antibiotics to be considered organic.

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     There are studies that indicate that eating large quantities of processed and red meats increases the risk of stomach, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends limiting these in the diet. There is research that looks at whether grilling, broiling, or frying meats at high temperatures could increase the risk of getting certain cancers. The studies concerning cooking methods are ongoing and inconclusive as of this writing.

     The ACS recommends eating foods rich in fiber because they contain beneficial nutrients. The tie between eating fiber and reducing cancer risk is not strong, however. Sources of fiber include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans.

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     One change in diet that people often ask about concerns antioxidants. These include vitamins C and E and a number of plant-based chemicals. Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage in the body that results from chemical reactions with oxygen. Some studies suggest that eating more fruits and vegetables lowers cancer risk. However, this has not been proven conclusively. According to the ACS, studies show that vitamin or mineral supplements that deliver antioxidants do not reduce cancer risk.

     There is a common misperception that sugar feeds cancer. It doesn’t. Sugar does cause weight gain. Excess weight, or fat, on a woman’s frame leads to more estrogen floating around in the body. Higher estrogen levels can cause some breast cancers to grow and spread.

     Likewise, higher doses of soy may raise the body’s estrogen level. The ACS recommends that breast cancer survivors avoid soy powders and isoflavone supplements. Research has found that soy foods do not have particularly beneficial or harmful effects when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

     Similarly taking large doses of minerals, supplements, and vitamins is discouraged because research suggests some high-dose supplements may increase cancer risk.

     Among the recommended lifestyle changes for breast cancer survivors is exercise. Being overweight has been linked with the risk of some cancers returning after treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight helps lower the estrogen level in the body and helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. A more physically active lifestyle is encouraged for cancer survivors.

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