Diet and exercise

Nearly two thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer gain weight during and after treatment, making weight management a concern for many. Some people eat more, others are less active, and sometimes weight gain is a side effect of prescribed drugs. The best way to safely lose weight is to combine a healthy diet and active lifestyle. If you find you’ve lost weight this could be due to poor appetite, nausea or anxiety.

Diet

Try to enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet if you have breast cancer. There are many conflicting theories about diet and breast cancer, which can be confusing.

If you would like specialist help, you should talk to your GP, dietitian or specialist team. Most experts would agree that a healthy diet is one that is balanced and varied and provides all the right nutrients needed.

To eat healthily it is important to:

• enjoy your food
• eat a variety of different foods
• eat the right amount to be a healthy weight
• eat plenty of foods rich in starch and fibre
• eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
• avoid eating fatty foods too often
• avoid sugary food and drinks too often
• drink alcohol only in moderation.

All types of foods can be included in a healthy diet as long as you get the right balance. The main part of the diet should come from fresh fruit and vegetables and starchy, preferably wholegrain foods such as the following:

• brown bread
• brown rice
• pasta
• potato.

A smaller part of your diet should come from proteins such as:

• meat
• fish
• nuts and seeds
• dairy or alternatives.

Foods containing fat and sugar should be restricted as these are high in calories and usually cholesterol too.

Exercise

Regular exercise can have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It will also help to:

• increase your range of movement
• reduce the risk of long-term problems with arm and shoulder movement
• reduce the risk of lymphoedema.