Supporting Wellness During Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship

For many people diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment doesn’t simply end when chemotherapy or radiation is finished. Medications such as tamoxifen may be recommended to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, but treatment can also bring challenges including hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, joint pain and muscle discomfort.

This is where integrative oncology can play a valuable supportive role. Integrative oncology combines conventional cancer treatment with evidence-informed lifestyle and complementary approaches, with the goal of improving quality of life and supporting overall health.

One of the most powerful tools is movement. Aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, Tai Chi and qigong may help reduce cancer-related fatigue, and physical activity following a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of death from breast cancer and other causes.

Nutrition is another important consideration. A Mediterranean-style diet emphasizing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and olive oil is recommended for breast cancer survivors. Whole soy foods such as tofu, edamame and tempeh are considered safe for people taking tamoxifen, while ground flax can also be incorporated into the diet.

Mindfulness, relaxation, yoga and other stress-management strategies may also support sleep and quality of life.

However, supplements require more caution. Natural products can interact with cancer medications, and the attached integrative oncology resource specifically identifies DIM and curcumin as supplements that may affect tamoxifen effectiveness.

Cancer survivorship is an opportunity to focus not only on treating disease, but also on supporting long-term health and quality of life. An integrative healthcare professional can help develop a personalized plan that safely complements your oncology care.