2023-11-13 11:43:03
The development of these guidelines for breast cancer is the result of the collaboration of the Spanish Breast Cancer Federation (FECMA), the Spanish Association of Metastatic Breast Cancer (CMM), the Spanish Group of Cancer Patients (GEPAC), the Hereditary Breast Ovary Association (AMOH) and the Male Breast Cancer Association (INVI).
And also from the Spanish academic and cooperative breast cancer research groups GEICAM and SOLTI, all together with the pharmaceutical company Novartis.
Breast cancer affects about 35,000 women and about 350 men every year and survival is more than 86% of cases with a localized tumor five years after diagnosis thanks to innovative treatments and knowledge of the molecular profile of the tumor. .
These long survivals require an improvement in the quality of life, sometimes diminished by the side effects of the treatments, so daily care in the different areas of life becomes essential both physically and emotionally.
Created by specialists in various areas, the guides are divided into essential sections that provide valuable information based on scientific evidence, as well as recommendations and adaptive strategies, taking into account the various stages and treatments of the disease.
Exercise for breast cancer patients
The Dr. Soraya Casla, specialist in oncology practice and director of the Exercise and Cancer Programhas been in charge of delving into this topic.
Oncological physical exercise is a term used to define that type of physical exercise that is performed in a personalized manner and adapted to the needs of each person with cancer, in order to reduce or prevent different side effects of oncological treatments.
This type of specific exercise improves the quality of life of patients which, in the long term, can impact survival.
It is recommended that breast cancer patients combine different types of exercise and at different intensities to achieve the greatest possible benefits.
Cardiovascular exercise
Relates to:
Lower levels of fatigue. Better levels in the immune system. Greater caloric expenditure. Lower blood pressure and better cardiac functionality. This point is of vital importance because some treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy) can increase the risk of developing these diseases in the long term. Increased cardiovascular capacity. Value that has been related to greater survival in patients. Greater reduction in levels of depression and anxiety.
Strength exercise
Strength exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits, both in terms of functional improvement and strength. A good level of strength becomes vitally important in people with illness
metastatic or advanced and in older patients, where it has been seen that high levels of strength combined with a good level of muscle mass are related to greater survival and better tolerance to treatments.
Strength exercises, especially those performed with external weights and machines, increase the regeneration of muscles and joint tissue that may have been lost due to exercise.
chemotherapy treatments.
Neural type exercise
This type of exercise increases the number of nerve cells that innervate and activate muscle cells, which increases coordination between the muscles of the body. Furthermore, by innervating more muscle cells, there is greater caloric expenditure and greater tissue regeneration, also providing greater stability to the joints.
They are also essential when it comes to achieving proper body posture.
There are muscle activation exercises through breathing exercises that help develop good muscle tone in the abdomen and pelvic floor. These exercises are especially important after abdominal surgeries such as those involved in some breast reconstructions.
Stretches
Static stretches and gentle mobilizations will help you maintain or achieve adequate movement in the shoulder, hip and knees, and maintain good muscle tone in the neck and adequate relaxation of the pectoral area.
Types of exercise based on side effects
Breast cancer treatments produce different side effects that, in some cases, can improve or disappear with exercise.
Thus, in case of peripheral neuropathies (tingling or numb hands/feet) it is good to walk on tiptoes or heels; With bone problems it is good to do strength exercises or with pain to resort to physiotherapy rehabilitation.
The guide includes a series of recommendations depending on the type of treatment you are receiving, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as well as a series of recommendations to maintain motivation and make exercise a regular practice.
The nutrition
The guidelines for breast cancer, specifically nutrition, by Carla Not, dietitian and nutritionist specialized in clinical nutritionbegins by explaining the types of nutrients, the food groups and the recommended frequency, as well as the size of the portions or the different intakes of the day.
But it also dedicates a part to offering nutritional advice for the side effects of treatments with the objectives of avoiding digestive problems, preventing malnutrition and poor or overnutrition and improving immune status.
For example, in case of nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy, it is recommended to start the meal with dry foods, rest after eating or use foods at room temperature, not cold.
But it also gives advice in case of mouth sores, changes in taste or smell; heartburn, constipation or low defenses.
Sexuality, in the breast cancer guidelines
Cancer diagnosis and treatment have a strong impact on all dimensions of people’s quality of life and well-being, including sexuality. And this is what they talk about in these guidelines for breast cancer. Dr. Francisca Molero, gynecologist and sexual therapist, and president of the Spanish Federation of Sexology Societies.
Breast cancer and its treatments affect all spheres of sexuality, both the psychological effects and the bodily changes influence sexuality. Treatments affect how our body feels, how we look, etc.
Changes at a social level also influence, such as daily management due to the number of hospital visits, or the impact that the disease has on the relationship with the partner which, in the medium term, may imply a change of roles and the erotic role may be relegated. .
In women who are still menstruating, menopause may appear suddenly, with sudden symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes or insomnia. All this without the body and mind having prepared. In women who were already in menopause when cancer appeared, problems such as vaginal dryness may also increase.
The most frequent problems are:
Decreased sexual interest (49.3%) Dyspareunia (pain) (35-38%) Concern about body image and problems with sexual desire
(10-14%) Lack of arousal (5%) Problems related to orgasm (5%)
Personal care
During the oncological process, treatments can produce symptoms related to physical appearance that, although they may not be relevant from a clinical point of view, are important from the perspective of well-being, he points out. Marta Cantero, supervisor at the Oncology Day Hospital, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital in Madrid.
The breast cancer guides highlight the importance of taking time for ourselves and give advice to address the impact of cancer treatments on the skin, scalp and hair, eyebrows and eyelashes or nails.
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