Breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in our country. It occurs when the cells in the breast mutate and grow uncontrollably. The common signs include a lump in the breast and changes in the appearance of the breast. Thankfully, there are several treatment options for the condition, and it is curable if detected early. Listed below are the treatments, nutrition tips, and lifestyle changes to treat and manage breast cancer:

Treatment options
Treatment is the first step when dealing with any cancer. Two options for breast cancer include:

• AFINITOR
  Doctors recommend this option to treat specific types of cancers, including breast cancer. AFINITOR works by killing cancer cells in the body and preventing them from spreading. It is especially beneficial for postmenopausal women who have not responded to specific other treatments. Diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and nausea are some of its typical side effects.
• CAR T-cell therapy
  In this treatment, T cells (a type of white blood cell) are drawn from the patient’s blood. They are then genetically modified with a receptor known as CAR and infused back into the patient. The new cells modified through CAR T-cell therapy are more capable of destroying cancer cells.

Foods to eat and avoid
While certain foods complement the treatment and help one recover, others can aggravate the condition. First, we have mentioned the foods that are beneficial for breast cancer:

• Foods with healthy fats
  C ancer treatment can affect the person’s overall health and energy. So, one must add healthy fats to the meal plan to boost energy levels. Some foods rich in healthy fats are chia seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
• High-protein foods
  Protein is excellent for building muscle mass and strength. Therefore, food items with a high content of protein are recommended. The best options include lentils, chicken, eggs, and fish like tuna and trout.
• Whole grains
  Another excellent way to get enough protein and other nutrients is to add whole grains to the meal plan. The best whole grains are oats, barley, and brown rice. Research suggests that eating whole grains can reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.
• Mineral and vitamin-rich foods
  A meal packed with minerals and vitamins can boost the immune system and help it fight the disease. Options like cereals, orange juice, yogurt, and milk are suitable.
• Foods containing phytochemicals
  Certain foods contain phytochemicals, compounds that help fight cancer and lower its risk. It can also keep other conditions like heart disease and blood pressure at bay. Some foods with phytochemicals are cabbage, broccoli, and berries.

The following foods can aggravate the disease and should be avoided:

• Undercooked foods
  Cancer treatment increases the risk of infections. Therefore, one must avoid undercooked or raw food items since they can contain infection-causing bacteria. Some choices to stay away from are undercooked oysters, sushi, and most leftover foods.
• Sugary and spicy foods
  High-sugar foods like candy and cookies can lead to several health conditions and are unsuitable when undergoing treatment. On the other hand, spicy food items like chili pepper can increase mouth soreness and the risk of certain cancers.
• Processed foods
  Processed food items do not have the necessary nutrients that the body needs to fight any health condition. Some examples include meat products like bacon, sausage, and ham.
• Refined carbs
  Food items rich in refined carbohydrates are unsuitable for those undergoing treatment as they are devoid of necessary vitamins and minerals. So, white bread and pasta should be left out of the meal plan.

Lifestyle tips for managing breast cancer
Patients must follow a healthy lifestyle besides treatment and proper nutrition. Here are some tips:

• Exercise regularly
  Staying physically active can benefit people undergoing treatment as it improves mental health and overall quality of life. Simple activities like walking are sufficient and help overcome fatigue during treatment. The other options are yoga, water aerobics, and swimming. But it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine.
• Expose to sunlight for vitamin D
  Studies suggest that breast cancer treatment can increase the risk of bone conditions like osteoporosis. Therefore taking extra care of the bones is essential. One of the best ways to strengthen the bones is to get vitamin D. Apart from vitamin D-rich foods, one can get a daily dose of the nutrient by soaking in the sun from time to time. Bone strengthening exercises can also help. One can contact a doctor to determine the best way to get this crucial bone-strengthening vitamin.
• Follow a proper skincare routine
  A side effect of breast cancer treatment is lymphedema—the swelling in the soft tissues of the chest wall, hand, or arm. It can also develop due to skin infections. So patients must follow a skincare routine that includes applying sunscreen and moisturization. Apart from helping prevent lymphedema, these habits can manage skin dryness that often results from cancer treatment.

Breast cancer is a health issue that occurs mainly in women but can affect men too. Patients can follow the tips mentioned above after consulting with a doctor to manage the condition. These habits can also help individuals prevent the disease and live healthy lives.