Diet, exercise, weight control crucial in fight against breast cancer
Parkland physicians, patients incorporate lifestyle changes in treatment plan
What if a diet of fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes and a big splash of extra virgin olive oil every day could reduce your risk of breast cancer by almost 70 percent?
It’s a question doctors and patients all over the world are discussing this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, thanks to a recently published study showing the potentially dramatic impact of the so-called “Mediterranean diet” on breast cancer rates.
The study published in JAMA: Internal Medicine in September is part of a steadily-growing body of research showing that a diet rich in fish, plant foods, nuts and extra virgin olive oil may protect against an array of dreaded health conditions, including heart disease, memory loss and now, breast cancer.
According to Nisha Unni, MD, oncologist at Parkland Health & Hospital System and Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the study provides another clue that the Mediterranean diet may offer significant protection from breast cancer.
“I tell my breast cancer patients that lifestyle choices are very important,” Dr. Unni said. “We know that maintaining a healthy weight through good nutrition and regular exercise are protective against many diseases, including breast cancer.”
Diet is one of many lifestyle changes that Dallas resident Zahra Mazlaghani, 48, one of Dr. Unni’s patients at Parkland, made after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Since completing chemotherapy and radiation, she has been doing well with treatment.
“I used to eat lots of red meat and beef, sweets and soda,” Mazlaghani said. “After I got cancer, I changed my diet totally. I went to a class to learn more about nutrition and how it impacts health. Now I have a very healthy diet.”
Mazlaghani eats organic fruits and vegetables, almost no sweets, and allows herself a small amount of organic lamb or beef once or twice a month. Instead of coffee and sodas, she drinks black or green tea, lots of water with fresh lemon and vegetable juices she blends using green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, along with fruits like green apples.
In addition, Mazlaghani exercises at least four times a week on a treadmill or bike, takes natural vitamin supplements including Vitamin D and calcium and uses both grape oil and olive oil in her cooking. With no family history of breast cancer, she believes that making good lifestyle choices is helping her stay healthy
“It’s not hard to eat a healthy diet once you get used to it,” Mazlaghani said. “It just becomes a habit. I tell people it’s easy, just don’t be lazy about making good food choices. Now, I never eat fast food, junk food or fried food.”
As for expense, she said purchasing organic fruits and vegetables, eggs and meat is worth it. “I focus on the quality of food, rather than quantity,” she said.
Dr. Unni is pleased that Mazlaghani is doing well with her new exercise and eating habits. “I am amazed at how fit she has become,” she said. “We know that staying away from sugar and saturated fats is crucial. Maintaining a healthy weight through good nutrition and regular exercise can help prevent many diseases, including breast cancer.”
Dr. Unni said studies show that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, so women should have no more than 1-1/2 drinks of alcohol daily and she recommends avoiding hormones and pesticides in foods as much as possible. Exercise is extremely important, as well.
“I tell my patients to get at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate-paced walking per week plus weight-bearing exercise for muscle tone and bone health.”
Including extra virgin olive oil every day in one’s diet, consuming 30 grams daily of nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds, and decreasing the amount of dietary fat are additional recommendations she makes to her patients.
“Adding olive oil to the diet is one of the least expensive things we could ask patients to do in their cooking,” she said. “Many studies show the health benefits.”
Dr. Unni said she became a medical oncologist because she enjoys developing a lifelong bond with her patients, and she specialized in breast cancer because she knew it was a way she could make a difference in women’s lives.
“I want to give them the tools to fight as hard as they can and live a long life,” she says.
Dr. Unni sees each patient as an individual who needs a personalized treatment plan, not as a textbook case. To create that plan, she gets to know all aspects of her patient’s life, beyond just the details about her disease.
Parkland will host a “Come Together for the Cure” breast cancer awareness luncheon in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Dallas County from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 at Light of the World Church of Christ, 7408 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas 75232. The event includes breast cancer screenings, workshops and speakers. For more information, call 214.266.4398.
Parkland provides screening mammograms, breast cancer education, and case management services to medically underserved women in Dallas County. Parkland’s mobile mammography unit visits its Community Oriented Primary Care health centers regularly. Read more about the mobile mammography unit screening schedule at www.parklandhospital.com/mobile-mammography or call 214.266.3300. You can also learn more about Parkland’s Comprehensive Breast Center.
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