Preventing breast cancer

Diet and lifestyle

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for all women as they can help prevent many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer.

Studies have looked at the link between breast cancer and diet and, although there are no definite conclusions at the moment, there are benefits for women who maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise and who have a low intake of saturated fat and alcohol. Use the healthy weight calculator / BMI to check if you are a healthy weight.

It has also been suggested that regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer by as much as a third. If you have been through the menopause, it is particularly important that you are not overweight or obese. This is because these conditions cause more oestrogen to be produced, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that women who breastfeed are statistically less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not. The reasons are not fully understood, but it could be because women do not ovulate as regularly while they are breastfeeding and oestrogen levels remain stable.

Living with breast cancer/post surgery/mastectomy

Breast cancer can affect your daily life in different ways, depending on what stage it is at and what treatment you are having.

How women cope with the diagnosis and with their treatment varies from person to person. There are several forms of support if you need it. Not all of them work for everybody, but one or more of them should help:

Talk to your friends and family. They can be a powerful support system. Remember, you are not alone.

Communicate with other people who are in the same situation. There are many blogs, local breast cancer support groups, patient support groups and hospital referrals.

Know as much as possible about your condition. Read books, the internet is a powerful tool. Do not blame yourself. Forgive yourself, if you don't return that phone call, or miss a date with a friend, they will understand.

Do not try to do too much or overexert yourself.

Make time for yourself. Believe in yourself. There are many self healing books out there that will help you love you again. Remember you are special, whatever surgery you've had.

Restore a healthy body image. Easier said then done, I hear you say. Losing a breast does not define who you are. Accepting and learning to love yourself are critical to moving on from surgery. There are many books, journals and blogs on how to make yourself feel whole again.

There are many websites that provide special clothes, underwear and costumes following mastectomies.

It is possible to return to normal after surgery. Mrs J said after a double mastectomy, "I am just looking forward to the future now" she also quoted, "I do not feel any different, although I am aware of it"

Recovery and follow-up

Recovery

Most women with breast cancer have an operation as part of their treatment. Getting back to normal after surgery can take time. It is important to take things slowly and give yourself time to recover. During this time, avoid lifting things (for example, children or heavy shopping bags) and heavy housework. You may also be advised not to drive.

Some other treatments, particularly radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can make you very tired. You may need to take a break from some of your normal activities for a while. Do not be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends.

Follow-up

After your treatment has finished, you will be invited for regular check-ups, usually every three months for the first year.

If you have had early breast cancer, your healthcare team will agree a care plan with you after your treatment has finished. This plan contains the details of your follow-up. You will receive a copy of the plan, which will also be sent to your GP.

During the check-up, your doctor will examine you and may do blood tests or X-rays to see how your cancer is responding to treatment. You should also be offered a mammogram every year for the first five years after your treatment.

Long-term complications

Although it is rare, your treatment for breast cancer may cause new problems:

Pain and stiffness in your arms and shoulder may occur after surgery and the skin in these areas may be tight.

Lymphoedema is a build-up of excess lymph fluid which causes swelling. This may happen if surgery or radiotherapy causes damage to the lymphatic drainage system in the armpit.

Talk to your healthcare team if you experience these or any other long-term effects of treatment.

There are many support arms out there for you. Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Lymphodema nurses, massage therapists, patient support groups and reputable websites. Please don't do this alone.