Breast Cancer and Your Plate
- OSCAR Care Group
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 1
How then does nutrition play a role in breast cancer? Let’s delve in!
Each October, you may notice pink ribbons, pink socks at footy matches, and even pink sweet treats at fundraisers! That’s because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to openly talk about a condition that affects so many, both with the diagnosis, and those caring for them. It is a time to raise awareness, support research, and remind people of the importance of early detection and support.
What Exactly Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. These cells can form a lump (called a tumour), and in some cases, it may spread to other parts of the body. It is one of the most common cancers in women, accounting for about 28% of all new cancers in Australian women (but can also affect men). The good news is, many people can survive breast cancer, especially when it is found early and treated well.
Relationship between Breast Cancer with Nutrition
Food is not the answer to curing cancer, but it can definitely play a role. The role in supporting the treatment of it by reducing risk, supporting the body during treatment, and assisting with recovery and quality of life. Food is a huge player that we have the power to control, and it can play a pivotal role.
Common Food-Related Challenges for People With Breast Cancer
Individuals experience with breast cancer can be different, but some common nutrition issues include:
Loss of appetite
Changes in taste or smell (metal mouth)
Nausea and/or vomiting
Fatigue (making it tiring to eat or cook)
Constipation or diarrhoea
Weight changes
Mouth ulcers or dry mouth
These factors can make it challenging to eat well, even when you want to.
What is the Link Between Your Diet and Breast Health?
Different nutrients and food sources in our diet can have a link to preventing and managing breast health and breast cancer. You may find some of these familiar with general healthy eating practices!
Dietary Fat
Studies have found that a low-fat diet can increase the relapse-free survival rate. In a 5-year follow-up, there was a 24% reduction in recurrence, and in a 15 year follow up, overall mortality also reduced.
Alcohol
Evidence has consistently demonstrated that alcohol is associated with cancer by altering chemical compounds in the body, which results in changing regular cell function and activity.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fibre, vitamin, and mineral rich; fruits and vegetables contain numerous components that are known to have favourable effects on the body, which can reduce the risk of cancer and mortality.
“Superfoods”
If you’ve ever done any research related to good nutrition, most likely you have come across trendy foods termed ‘superfoods’ that promise unbelievable benefits.
Unfortunately, there are no ‘superfoods’ that lower the chances of developing breast cancer (or curing it). Superfoods are not a scientific term, but rather a marketing label.
Another risk of following this trend is the fact that it promises positive outcomes from very specific foods, which can often be expensive, ineffective, and highly processed. The real hero is to obtain a variety of nutrients from… you guessed it, a variety of foods.
Specific Nutrients Vs. Dietary Patterns
If you have ever felt overwhelmed with all the foods, vitamins, minerals out there to remember and know what to include (and not include) in your diet, you’re not alone!
Instead of focusing on single nutrients, focusing on your whole dietary pattern is more beneficial to the management (and less stressful). This also allows you to take into account habits, preferences, and availability.
Overall…
Ongoing trials and research are still exploring the impact of diet after diagnosis in breast cancer, taking into account factors such as stage of diagnosis, age groups (premenopausal and postmenopausal), and demographic populations such as cultural backgrounds.
To make things simple, the take-home message is this. There are no special ingredients, foods, or diets that have been scientifically proven to prevent cancer or cure cancer.
An overall well-balanced diet consisting of all the important food groups is the overarching guideline. In summary:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying active for about 30 mins each day
Having a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and legumes
Limiting red meat and processed meats, and instead having lean protein like fish, chicken, tofu, eggs
Including healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado
Limiting alcohol to 1 standard drink for women, and 2 for men, with 2 alcohol free days a week.
What to Eat Whilst Undergoing Treatment
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can cause fatigue and skin changes, so staying hydrated is key. Drink plenty of water, and eat foods rich in antioxidants (think berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes). Maintain adequate protein intake from lean meat, fish, and legumes to assist with tissue repair.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause changes in taste, and increase nausea symptoms. If you are feeling sick, try bland, soft and colder foods. Ice chips, ginger tea or lollies can also help to alleviate nausea. Another factor to consider is food safety. Chemotherapy can compromise the immune system, so minimising the risk of food-borne illness is important. Follow proper hygiene practices such as washing hands, and proper handling of raw meats, and produce.
Surgery (Lump Removal or Mastectomy)
Post-surgery, you may feel too tired to prepare food, so make sure you have small, light dishes that you can reach for throughout the day especially if you have a smaller appetite. Continue to also fuel yourself with plenty of water and fibre as well to alleviate any constipation that may result from pain medications. Healthy proteins are also important to assist with the recovery process.
Palliative / Comfort Care
The importance here is to focus on the enjoyment and quality of life. Allow the individual to eat what they enjoy, when they feel like it. Whether its smaller portions, favourite treats, and any comfort foods, these can all make a difference in allowing them to maintain their quality of life.
Does Cancer Medication Affect Nutrition?
Yes! Some medications can impact how we eat, absorb, or use nutrients within our bodies. Here are some examples. It is important to discuss any of these with your doctor, or dietitian.
Appetite Changes
Steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants can increase or decrease appetite, leading to either weight gain or weight loss. For example, steroids can make you hungrier, whereas chemotherapy can cause nausea and loss of appetite.
Nausea, Vomiting, and Taste Changes
Chemotherapy, opioids, and antibiotics can result in some individuals experiencing metallic or bitter tastes in the mouth, feeling sick, or having aversions to smells. In this case, cold or bland foods, ginger tea, and plastic cutlery (to reduce metallic taste), can help.
Digestive Upset
Certain supplements, pain killers, and antibiotics can lead to gut symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, or reduced vitamin absorption. It is important to stay hydrated, eat plenty of fibre, or seek nutrition support if any of these symptoms are exacerbated.
Our six Dietitian tips to help people with Breast Cancer
Eat what you can, when you can. Small snacks can go a long way when big meals are too much to handle.
Keep healthy snacks on hand - nuts, fruits, smoothies, yoghurt.
Sip fluids all day to stay hydrated, especially during treatment. Add some fruit slices into your water to add a bit of flavour!
Use herbs and spices to add flavour if food tastes bland instead of reaching for the saltshaker.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with cooking, shopping, or prepping. Consider meal delivery services!
Be kind and patient with yourself - there is no perfect diet that you must adhere to, just little modifications and tweaks to support an overall healthy dietary pattern that works for you.
How A Dietitian Can Help You
There are many ways a Dietitian can support you in managing a breast cancer diagnosis.
We can assist with:
Meal planning
Managing any side effects from treatment
Suggest nutritional supplements if needed
Review your medications and spot possible nutrition gaps
Create a personalised plan that considers your culture, budget and lifestyle
Remember, You Are Not Alone!
Breast cancer is a challenging journey, but good food can help lighten the load - physically and emotionally. Whether you are eating for preventative measures, to stay strong during treatment, or to support a loved one, remember that there is always someone that can support you on their journey.
Reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Accredited Practising Dietitian for individualised support. We’re here to help you through every stage with empathy, expertise, and a spoonful of encouragement.
