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Foods That Help Fight
Breast Cancer
While there is no proven diet that
can prevent breast cancer there are
certainly specific foods we can eat
to help reduce our chances of breast
cancer.
Oily Fish
Fish oil will provide long chain omega-3,
a powerful anti-inflammatory in the
body that has been shown to re-lengthen
telomeres, which shorten when you have
cancer.
Sunflower Seeds
High in zinc and natural vitamin E. Zinc
helps vitamin
C do its work
and accelerates
healing time.
Mushrooms
There´s an enormous body of research
evidence now that shows how
´medicinal´ mushrooms
(Shiitake, Maiitake,
and cordyceps)
boost the immune
system and fight
cancer.
Tomatoes
According to
Harvard research 7 to 10
helpings a week has an influence on
many cancers such as lung, colon,
cervix, and breast.
Green leafy
vegetables
Along with avocado, beans,
carrots, apricots, pumpkins, and
egg yolk green vegetables will give you
folic acid. This will help your DNA to
replicate properly and protect it during
radiotherapy.
(Credit:
The Psychological Impact
According to psychologist Devika
Singh-Mankani, a breast cancer
diagnosis changes a woman’s life
across multiple domains. “Breast
cancer can affect relationships,
everyday functioning including
self-care, emotional functioning,
sexuality, employment as most report
discrimination because the cancer
treatment may involve time away from
work and may have negative effects on
performance,” she says.
A positive attitude has also been known
to help with individuals suffering
with cancer- evidence from studies
with various types of cancer patients
suggests that a positive outlook can
improve mood, quality of life, and
coping, as well as ameliorate disease
and treatment-related symptoms, such
as chemotherapy-induced nausea,
vomiting, and pain.
Tips to Help Cope with Breast Cancer
Don’t blame yourself. No one knows what causes breast
cancer.
Seek help early.
Seek alternative therapies to complement your treatment plan
as these have been shown to help with recovery and prevention.
Join a support group or form one if you don’t have one in close
proximity to you.
Focus on yourself. Sleep, nutrition, educating yourself
about the do’s and don’ts will keep you feeling stronger and
empowered.
Remember you are not alone. There are millions of women
making this journey with you. H
(Credit: Devika Singh-Mankani)
Brest Friends
Brest Friends is a doctor-led, independent
not-for-profit organisation for breast cancer
patients and survivors. Dr. Houriya Kazim,
Specialist Breast Surgeon explains, “When I
decided to start the support group, the only
qualifications that I brought to the task were
the experience of treating breast cancer
patients and my desire to help others
emotionally survive the experience. I
had never set up or run a support group
of any kind in my life. Our support
group is a place for people in similar
situations to give and receive both
emotional and practical support as
well as to exchange information.
Ladies who attend the group can
expect to both learn more about their
cancer and get new ideas from others
who have “been there, done that.” Brest
Friends meets once a month; for further
details, visit
Support Groups in UAE
The Pink Caravan
Breast Cancer Arabia
Friends Of Cancer Patients- FOCP
Safe & Sound in the UAE
19
Sep/Oct 2015