Almost nine out of ten women survive breast cancer, explained by the Spanish Association Against Breast Cancer (AECC). Advances in research, prevention and early detection have achieved an average five-year survival rate of over 85%. Experts also recommend a series of guidelines and habits, related to healthy living.
In this sense, the AECC considers that a balanced diet It is key in cancer prevention. As indicated in the European Code Against Cancer, it is possible to reduce the risk of cancer, by up to 18%, through healthy eating and taking care of body weight. A recent study indicates that diet is directly involved in the initiation and development of various types of tumors, such as colon or breast cancer.
Dr. Reyes Ibáñez, section head and associate physician, respectively, at the Multihospital Clinical Unit of Radiation Oncology of Aragonhighlights the key to awareness of early diagnosis, but also the importance of leading “a healthy lifestyle” and details prevention factors, such as monitor your diet or practice sports: “We already know that practicing physical exercise during systemic treatments or radiotherapy, for example, in a controlled and adequate manner, also has an important impact on the way the disease is handled and even on survival.” And of course, he adds, “avoid toxic habits, such as tobacco and alcohol”. “We also cannot forget stress. Although it is not easy to prove it, we all know that it is reflected in systemic diseases, such as coronary diseases. But there is no doubt that leading a harmonious life and where giving space to each important thing can help us in these circumstances.”
Precisely at the Amac-Gema headquarters, in Plaza del Pilar, they offer women who are undergoing treatment or have overcome the disease exercise sessionssuch as healthy back, toning and fitness.
The instructor, Almudena Díaz, explains that they are activities that complement each other. “Those who come, he says, come with the recommendation of their doctors, who advise them to move, to exercise,” he explains: “The activities are controlled, without heavy loads or weight, and the attendees make a fantastic progress, and in a few months they recover sooner, they gain mobility. Added to these benefits are social support: “They come to have a good time, which also helps with recovery, not only physically, but mentally.”
Benefits of physical exercise
Lucía Sagarra, doctor in Sports Sciences and graduate in Nursing, professor at the San Jorge University and director of two training centers in Zaragoza specialized in the oncological population, knows a lot about the importance of physical exercise for breast cancer patients. (Beonactive): “Scientific evidence has widely demonstrated the benefits that physical exercise brings. It’s like a powerful drug capable of improving the physical health of people with breast cancer. Specifically, improvements have been seen in fatigue-related symptoms, physical form and function, increased muscle mass and improvements in body composition or aerobic capacity.
“We know that oncological disease per se, as well as treatments, negatively impact people’s musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. In our daily lives, training programs need to be adapted when women present persistent fatigue, affecting the soles of the feet and hands (neuropathies), joint pain, limited mobility of the arm affected by the intervention,” he says: “Each woman is unique, and the approach must be individualized to ensure that the program is tailored to your specific needs and objectives.”
Is recovery faster if it is combined with physical exercises? “Without a doubt,” says Sagarra, “in our daily lives we observe how women who train regularly tolerate the adverse effects related to the treatment better and increase their functional status. At a scientific level, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis have shown that Women who do physical exercise improve aspects such as fatigue (69.8%), quality of life (71.6%), anxiety (53%) or depression (66.6%), compared to women who follow usual care.”
This Sunday, Zaragoza hosts the Women’s Race 2024the sporting event that seeks to support women with cancer. It will be held from 10:00, on the banks of the Ebro, and 14,000 women will participate in the event.