Guide to Eating and Rehabilitation after Breast Cancer

When patients with breast cancer had undergone surgery, there had been a challenging but promising recovery journey. In this process, a scientifically sound diet and active and effective rehabilitation measures are essential.

A good diet not only provides the necessary nutrition for the body, enhances immunity and promotes healing, but also reduces to some extent the risk of re-emergence of breast cancer. The body is in the recovery phase after the operation and needs sufficient energy and nutrients to support the proper functioning of the various physiological functions.

II. The principle of diet after breast cancer

Food should be diversified to include cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, beans, fish, poultry, eggs, etc. to ensure full nutrition. Each food has its own unique nutritional value, and a diverse diet ensures the body access to essential nutrients.

2. Control of caloric intake and avoidance of over-eating leading to body weight gain. Obesity is one of the risk factors for re-emergence of breast cancer and should be followed by appropriate weight. (b) Reasonable control of caloric intake to avoid high calorie, fat and sugar food, depending on the individual ‘ s physical condition and activity level.

Protein is an important substance for body repair and maintenance of normal physiological functions. After the operation, the patient should increase the intake of proteins, as appropriate, by choosing foods with high-quality proteins, such as skinny meat, fish, beans, eggs and dairy products. The protein intake may be adjusted to the patient ‘ s body weight and state of health, and is generally appropriate for 1-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

4. Vegetable fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and food fibres, and have the effect of combating oxidation, tumours and increased immunity. After the operation, the patient should eat more fresh vegetable fruits, 300-500 grams of vegetables and 200-300 grams of fruit per day. Vegetable fruit of all colours can be selected for a richer diet.

Control of fat ingestion Reduction of saturated and trans-fat ingestion such as animal fat, fried food, etc. Unsaturated fats such as olive oil, fish oil, nuts, etc. may be chosen. The intake of fat should account for 20-30 per cent of total calories.

6. Appropriate intake of carbohydrates Select carbohydrates, such as whole-shell bread, rough rice, oats, etc., rich in dietary fibres to avoid over-ingestion of refined grains and sugar. The intake of carbohydrates should account for 50-60 per cent of total calories.

7. Attention is paid to the relatively weak physical immunity of patients after the operation and to the hygiene of the diet, to the avoidance of the consumption of unclean food and raw water and to the prevention of food poisoning and intestinal infections.

III. Food suitable for breast cancer

Foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus, strawberries, monkeys, green peppers, etc. Vitamin C is resistant to oxidation and contributes to increased immunity and healing.

Foods rich in vitamin E such as nuts, vegetable oils, green leaf vegetables, etc. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.

Foods rich in food fibres such as oats, rough rice, beans, vegetables, etc. Dietary fibres promote intestinal creeping, prevent constipation, reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Protein-rich foods such as skinny meat, fish, beans, eggs, dairy products, etc. These foods can provide the necessary proteins for the body and facilitate healing and body recovery.

5. Oncologically resistant foods such as mushrooms, mussels, seaweeds, purple vegetables, etc. These foods contain active ingredients that are resistant to tumours and are immune.

IV. Post-cancer breast cancer rehabilitation measures

Appropriate physical exercise The patient shall, in accordance with his or her circumstances, gradually resume his or her physical exercise. Appropriate exercise enhances physical health, improves immunity, promotes blood circulation and contributes to body recovery. Low-intensity sports, such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi, can be chosen to gradually increase their strength and time. Campaigns should be conducted with care to avoid overwork and, if not adapted, stop in a timely manner.

After breast cancer patients often face psychological stress such as anxiety, depression, etc. A good psychological state is essential for rehabilitation. Patients can reduce psychological stress and maintain a positive optimism by communicating with their families, friends and participating in psychological counselling.

After the operation, the patient shall periodically review, as required by a doctor, including examinations of blood protocol, liver function, breast ultrasound, chest X-ray, etc. Regular reviews can identify problems in a timely manner and take appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of re-emergence of breast cancer.

4. If the operation involves the exercise of the limb, the patient shall exercise the function of the limb to restore the ability of the limb to function. Fisting, elbowing, arm lifting, etc., may be carried out under the direction of a doctor, gradually increasing the strength and time of exercise. Take care to avoid excessive force and prevent injury to limbs.

Summary

Eating and rehabilitation after breast cancer is a long-term process that requires the concerted efforts of patients and their families. A scientifically sound diet can provide the necessary nutrition to the body, enhance immunity and promote healing of wounds; active and effective rehabilitation measures can help the patient to recover his or her physical function and improve the quality of life. In so doing, patients should remain positive and optimistic, confident that they can overcome disease and hope for a better future. At the same time, patients should follow their physical condition closely and, if they are not in a timely manner, receive medical care. Doctors also develop individualized diets and rehabilitation programmes that provide professional guidance and support for the rehabilitation of patients according to their specific circumstances. Let us work together to add more hope and strength to the path of recovery for breast cancer patients.