Surviving Breast Cancer

Cancer rehab is a fairly new and growing specialty in the therapy world.

Cancer rehab is a fairly new and growing specialty in the therapy world. It is not widely known about, nor is it utilized enough. One of the first statements I often receive from patients on their first visit is, “I’m not sure why I am here, but my surgeon recommended it so I came.” A popular question from other healthcare providers is, “This may seem like a silly question, but what exactly do you do?” Even during my two years of working in a well-known healthcare system in a big city, coworkers within our own building did not know about cancer rehab or where we were located. It was quite frustrating, especially when it is a much-needed service.

Individuals recently diagnosed with cancer, going through cancer treatment, or navigating survivorship can all benefit from cancer rehabilitation. Studies have shown that rehabilitation has a positive impact on these patients and it should be implemented from the point of diagnosis. Even if your physician or oncologist does not recommend physical therapy, do yourself a favor and ask for it! Be an advocate for yourself. Being educated from the beginning of treatment can improve the effectiveness of your treatment, make you feel better during and after your treatment, and decrease your chance of recurrence.

Cancer treatment takes a major toll on your body—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some potential physical side effects from cancer treatment may include:

chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

A physical therapist specialized in cancer rehabilitation can help guide you in safe exercises throughout your entire cancer experience and can provide hands-on techniques to reduce or treat these potential symptoms and side effects.

Physical therapy is not just about exercise, but research has shown that exercise has many positive impacts for those diagnosed with cancer, including:

reducing your risk of developing lymphedema

Articles

Cancer rehabilitation is an emerging specialty that remains underutilized and often misunderstood, even among healthcare professionals. It offers significant benefits for patients at all stages of cancer treatment, from diagnosis through survivorship. Rehabilitation can enhance treatment effectiveness, improve physical and mental well-being, and reduce recurrence risk. Cancer treatments can lead to various physical side effects, which specialized physical therapists can address through tailored exercises and techniques. Exercise, a key component of cancer rehab, has been shown to improve physical function, quality of life, and mental health while reducing fatigue and lymphedema risk.

Cancer rehab is a fairly new and growing specialty in the therapy world. 

What is Breast Cancer Rehab?

If you’re reading this, you recognize the importance of diet and nutrition after a cancer diagnosis.

As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and someone who was treated for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), an uncommon, aggressive and deadly type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, I understand the critical role nutrition plays in managing health during and after cancer treatments. My cancer treatment involved five rounds of chemotherapy, another high-dose chemotherapy protocol prior to a full stem cell transplant, and radiation to my eyes five times per week for four weeks.

I lived for a period of time believing that I had no control over my illness. Now I know that I can have a positive impact through nutrition and lifestyle choices, as well as mindset.

My suggestions below aim to improve gut health, the immune system, energy levels, and rate of recovery. Nutrition can play a role in helping you recover from treatments, continue to thrive, and ultimately take control of your health.

Managing symptoms during treatment is a challenge. Here are some suggestions to help you get through this:

For nausea, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, apple sauce, crackers, and rice.

For loss of appetite, focus on small, frequent meals that are nutrient dense such as smoothies, nut butters, and protein shakes.

For mouth sores, choose soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.

Choose whole grains for sustained energy and fiber.

Lean proteins can support muscle and tissue repair.

Healthy fats provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to avoid dehydration, which can worsen fatigue and other symptoms.

Limit processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol.

While it’s best to get nutrients from whole foods, some may benefit from supplements due to dietary restrictions or increased nutritional needs. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements to avoid interactions with treatments and medications.

In addition to these suggestions, a chart is included below to summarize the nutritional categories of food that are the most beneficial during and particularly ongoing after treatments.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing health during and after cancer treatments, particularly for those with aggressive cancers like primary central nervous system lymphoma. Emphasizing gut health, immune support, and recovery, dietary strategies can mitigate treatment side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, and mouth sores. Key recommendations include consuming nutrient-dense foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while staying hydrated and limiting processed foods. Supplements may be beneficial but should be taken under medical guidance to prevent interactions with cancer treatments.

If you’re reading this, you recognize the importance of diet and nutrition after a cancer diagnosis. 

Nutrition After a Cancer Diagnosis

Statistics show that breast cancer is most common in women over 50, but that doesn’t mean it can’t affect individuals outside that age range.

Statistics show that breast cancer is most common in women over 50, but that doesn’t mean it can’t affect individuals outside that age range. Individuals under 40 can also receive this life-changing diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of new breast cancer cases in the US occur in women under 45. Read on to learn about the specific hurdles younger women face and how to navigate these obstacles with confidence and support.

The Unique Challenges People Under 40 Face

While breast cancer in younger people is less common, it is not rare. Breast cancer in individuals under 40 presents unique challenges due to the distinct biological, social, and psychological factors involved. Some of the key challenges include:

Delayed Diagnosis: Younger women tend to undergo regular mammograms less frequently, which often results in breast cancer being diagnosed at a later stage. Dense breast tissue also makes detection more complicated with standard imaging techniques.

Aggressive Tumor Types: Breast cancers in younger individuals tend to be more aggressive, like triple-negative or HER2-positive types, which are more challenging to treat and more likely to recur.

Fertility Concerns: Treatment for breast cancer, especially chemotherapy, can affect fertility. Many young women face the emotional and practical challenges of fertility preservation options like egg freezing before treatment.

Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: For some women, breast cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy or shortly after. A breast cancer diagnosis creates complex treatment decisions to balance the health of both mother and baby.

Genetic Risk Factors: Younger people diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can increase the likelihood of other cancers and require preventive measures for their families.

Impact on Career and Finances: Younger people are often in the early stages of their careers and may face financial stress from medical bills, loss of income, and long-term treatment needs, including reconstruction or follow-up care.

Psychosocial Stress: The emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer is profound for younger individuals who may be raising children, managing long-term relationships, and/or building their future. Concerns about body image, dating, and family planning can add to the stress.

Survivorship and Long-Term Health Issues: Long-term survivors of breast cancer face unique health challenges, such as the risk of premature menopause, heart problems from treatment, and secondary cancers, which can impact quality of life for decades.

These challenges make early detection, specialized support, and individualized treatment critical for younger people diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer in individuals under 40, though less common, presents distinct challenges due to biological, social, and psychological factors. Delayed diagnosis is frequent due to less regular mammograms and dense breast tissue. Tumors in younger patients are often more aggressive, complicating treatment. Fertility concerns arise from chemotherapy, and pregnancy-associated breast cancer requires complex treatment decisions. Genetic mutations like BRCA1/2 are more prevalent, increasing cancer risk. Career and financial impacts, psychosocial stress, and long-term health issues further complicate survivorship, necessitating early detection and tailored support.

Surviving Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer Rehab?

Nutrition After a Cancer Diagnosis

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Breast Cancer in People Under 40

Latest News