The Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Breast Cancer Prognosis Report from ASCO 2006 Session by Kathleen Livingston, Advocate Three medical doctors presented their research on the effect lifestyle factors such as obesity, exercise and diet has regarding breast cancer prognosis (both initial diagnosis and recurrence or death from breast cancer). Some of the research quoted by the presenters was their own work and some came from a review of the literature. It was refreshing to see oncologists doing this type of research, as it does not involve medications, radiation or surgery. Most oncologists do not even consider these lifestyle factors when treating patients. The presenters were disappointed that their time slot was 8:00 AM, Sunday morning, so they were anticipating a small crowd. They were not disappointed, as there were very few attendees. Using lifestyle factors to treat breast cancer patients does not seem to be highly valued by ASCO. However, for those of us who attended, the discussion was exciting. Patients often ask oncologists, if there is something else besides traditional therapy, they could do to decrease their risk of recurrence. Usually traditional oncologists prescribe hormone therapy, chemotherapy, follow-up appointments etc., and plead ignorance to knowing anything about the lifestyle factors these researchers explored at this presentation. These researchers suggest that oncologists would help their patients a great deal, if they provided lifestyle guidance on diet and exercise to control obesity and positively influence other factors, such as quality of life and functional capacity. Synopsis of their Recommendations: Diet: -Avoid high fat diets -Caloric intake of fat approximately 15-20% -Significant association between increased intake of vegetables and decreased risk of death from breast cancer Exercise: -Women who exercised moderately for 3-5h/week had a 50% decrease in breast cancer death Weight/Obesity -Weight gain of more than 11 pounds after diagnosis associated with poor prognosis -Increase risk of breast cancer recurrence and death in women who are overweight at time of diagnosis In conclusion, a growing body of evidence supports a relationship between lifestyle factors and breast cancer outcome. Let’s hope more research is done in this area and more oncologists heed this research and use it in conjunction with traditional modalities. It is less invasive than traditional modalities and it is something breast cancer patients have some control over. The researchers pointed out that more research needs to be done in this area but to their credit, these researchers have opened a new door regarding the treatment of breast cancer. It is one that needs to be opened even wider. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.