Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. They grow to form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Estimates suggest at least 13% women in the country face an increased risk of breast cancer. This is why it is important to be aware of its management. Such tips are listed below along with treatment options and food choices:

Treatment options
Before discussing management tips, it is important to know some treatment options for breast cancer. AFINITOR® (everolimus) is one such option. It is an mTOR inhibitor. mTOR is a type of protein that provides energy to cells to grow. AFINITOR® stops cancer cells from getting energy since it is an mTOR inhibitor. It is used to treat postmenopausal women that have HER2-negative and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Another treatment option is CAR-T cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a process that helps T-cells specifically recognize and attack malignant or cancerous cells. It is a less toxic treatment method than conventional options like chemotherapy.

Eating healthy
Consuming healthy foods is an effective cancer management technique. The nutrients and minerals in our food improve the efficacy of medications. The food we eat also protects us from the toxicity caused by cancer treatments. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula contain antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemon, limes, and tangerine have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in providing relief from the side effects of cancer treatments.

It is best to avoid processed foods like packed meats, chips, and junk food, as they can aggravate the symptoms of breast cancer.

Exercise regularly
Clinical treatments and having nutritious meals may not be enough for managing breast cancer. Light exercises in the form of yoga and brisk walking can help improve one’s overall health. Exercises improve blood circulation, which helps in managing metabolism, thus alleviating breast cancer symptoms and side effects of the treatment. Complementing exercise with nutritious meals ensures nutrients are efficiently utilized by the body to build a stronger immune system.

Be up to date with health screenings
Breast cancer has a better prognosis when compared with other types of cancers. However, its recurrence can make it difficult to manage. It is critical to undergo periodic screenings, such as imaging and blood tests, to spot any anomalies before they result in recurrence.