Staying Active and Maintaining a Healthy Weight Can Reduce the Risk of Death from Breast Cancer

A 2022 study by the World Cancer Research Fund has produced substantial review findings identifying key factors that can influence the risk of death for women following a breast cancer diagnosis. This review aims to understand the relationship between body weight, physical activity, diet, and the risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis. The study identifies several key findings regarding lifestyle factors after a breast cancer diagnosis and their impact on patients’ chances of recovery or survival. There is evidence of a link between excess body fat after diagnosis and poorer health outcomes. The study shows strong results indicating that a high Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with a 10% increased risk of death. A total of 226 studies from around the world show that more than 456,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 36,000 of them died. Additionally, there is strong evidence that a higher BMI increases the risk of new breast cancers developing. The study results indicate that physical activity provides protective benefits, although the quality of the evidence is categorised as limited. Physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer death by 14%, and this reduction occurs linearly up to activity levels of 20 hours per week. Most research examines physical activities such as aerobics, walking, and running, with limited studies on other activities. However, even light physical activity provides survival benefits. The study results show that evidence for dietary factors remains limited, but some points indicate positive outcomes. These points include healthy eating patterns, soy consumption, high fibre intake, and vitamin D consumption. These points are associated with a lower risk of death and reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence. Therefore, it is important for breast cancer survivors to maintain a healthy weight after diagnosis, engage in regular physical activity according to their ability and medical advice, and consume high-fibre foods and a healthy diet. The results of this research have been published in the International Journal of Cancer. Source: World Cancer Research Fund. Based on recent studies, the number of cancer cases in Indonesia is predicted to increase by more than 70% by 2050 if preventive efforts and early detection are not strengthened from now. The latest study from The Lancet Oncology reveals a tragic disparity, with breast cancer death rates declining in developed countries but surging by nearly 100% in poor countries. The Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (PTM) at the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), Siti Nadia Tarmizi, explains the urgency of improving the early detection system for breast cancer. Breast cancer remains the highest case among women. Consider 8 natural steps based on scientific evidence to reduce the risk, from exercise to routine early detection. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin urges all Indonesian women aged over 30 to take advantage of the Free Health Check (CKG) programme to prevent breast cancer.