Today I attended a session  on the unique weight management concerns of breast cancer survivors. The speakers were were both RD researchers from Yale SCHOOL OF Public Health. Perfect topic for breast cancer awareness month.

My personal experience has been that in working with breast cancer survivors, I have never met a woman who lost weight during her treatment. Cancer research has given us drug cocktails that are easier to tolerate, powerful anti-nausea meds and targeted radiation regimens. The resulting weight gain during and following treatment is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and mortality.

Mary C. Playd0n and Maura Harrigan reported on preliminary results of the LEAN protocol (Lifestyle, Exercise and Nutrition study). Modeled after the CDC Diabetes Prevention Program, goals for participants in the LEAN program are to lose 10% of current body weight, increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week and reduce fat in the diet to 25% of total calories each day.

By moving away from individual nutrients and focusing instead on lifestyle changes can result in 50% fewer recurrences. Even if the individual has never participated in regular exercise before diagnosis. It is never too late to begin exercising.