Breast Cancer Survival

• Though there are a variety of ways breast cancer survival can be described, the most common is the number of years a woman lives or is expected to live after her diagnosis. For women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in any stage or at any severity level, the five-year survival rate is currently 86 percent, while the 10-year rate is 76 percent. These rates can change drastically, however, if the breast cancer spreads to another area of her body. In these cases, the five-year rate decreases to 21 percent. On the other hand, if the cancer remains localized, her chances of survival increase to 96 percent. A woman's diet may have a significant impact on her survival rate, as recent studies have shown.
  
  

The Study

• In June 2002, Cornell University released the results of a study conducted in 1976 on the effects of diet in breast cancer; the Nurses Health Study. During this study, more than 120,000 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer were followed for a period of 13 years. Though 128 women passed away during the study, more than 1,200 women had cancer that did not spread and ate large amounts of protein in the form of chicken, along with large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. The women who ate these foods had a decreased risk of death than those who did not.
  
  

Variety in Your Diet

• For breast cancer patients, variety in your diet may not only be the key to good health, but also to maintaining your energy levels. Choose from the major food groups such as fruits, which are a great source of both folic acid and vitamin B6, dark, green leafy vegetables which not only provide your body with vitamin A, but also folic acid and vitamin B6. Whole-grains such as breads, pastas and cereals help keep your energy levels high while undergoing treatment and protein sources such as meats, beans and nuts are full of vitamin B, iron and zinc.
  
  

Speak to Your Doctor

• Every cancer patient's treatment will cause different side affects. This means diets will require adjusting to manage your side effects in the best possible way. If you began your diagnosis using a specific diet and have started suffering from intense vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may need to adjust your diet until these symptoms or side effects pass while still meeting your nutritional requirements.