Guest contributor: Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Karen Collins holds a B.S. degree from Purdue and an M.S. degree from Cornell, both in nutrition. When she’s not writing or speaking, she conducts a private nutrition practice in Jamestown, New York.

Q: I am a breast cancer survivor, is it safe for me to be exercising?

The bottom line advice from a recently published gathering of experts on exercise in cancer survivors is, “avoid inactivity.” The panel stated that overall, exercise is safe for breast cancer survivors, both during and after treatment. The expert panel’s research review concluded that physical activity benefits breast cancer survivors’ quality of life, fitness and anxiety levels; and it seems to decrease fatigue and may help improve weight or body fat versus muscle composition in some women.

There are a few conditions that require some attention. Roughly half of breast cancer survivors can have arm or shoulder problems related to treatment; these should be resolved before beginning a program of upper body exercise, and women can learn steps to be proactive in preventing injury. Likewise, women with extreme fatigue or anemia should get these resolved before beginning an exercise program. Women with lymphedema, a swelling that can occur after lymph node removal or radiation to the underarm area, should wear a well-fitting compression garment during exercise, including strength training.

Conditions that require some adjustment in exercise plans include heart conditions, decreased immune function and bone metastases or hormonal treatments that put bone health at risk. Survivors currently in chemo or radiation treatment are advised to take extra precautions to avoid the spread of infections if they workout at public gyms.

Breast cancer survivors should not let that list of precautions scare them away or give them the impression that exercise is risky, however. With so many benefits, they’re urged to gradually incorporate both aerobic and strength training into their lifestyles, but to do so wisely with input from their physician and, ideally, an exercise trainer with cancer-specific expertise. Survivors can check with their local cancer treatment center for suggestions, and with the local YMCA to see if they participate in the LiveSTRONG partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Q: How risky are the compounds called AGEs in cooked meats?

AGEs (advanced glycation end products) may increase oxidation and inflammation in the body, promote diabetes and heart disease, and play some role in cancer development. These compounds form when beef, pork, chicken and fish are cooked, especially at higher temperatures and with dry heat (roasting, grilling, frying and broiling).

AGEs form when high-fat foods are heated to high temperatures and in production of dry-heat processed snack foods (such as crackers, chips and cookies). AGEs also form within the body during normal metabolism. Animal and limited human research suggests that greater consumption of AGEs raises body levels of these compounds. Many foods contain these compounds, but people who eat diets high in grilled or roasted meats, fats and highly processed foods could consume more than double the AGEs of people who eat meals rich in plant foods with smaller amounts of meat, especially prepared by moist heat (in soup or stew, microwaved, poached).

It would be premature to make dietary changes solely based on concern about AGEs, but the mostly plant-based diet with meats in only moderate portions (infrequently cooked at high temperatures) and limited use of highly processed foods is already the advice to reduce risk of cancer and promote overall health.

(This article was provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. A registered dietician is available to respond to questions about diet, nutrition, and cancer at the free AICR Hotline at 1 (800) 843-8114 during business hours.)

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 and is filed under Cancer and Weight, Cooking at home, Exercise and fitness, Karen Collins. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed. Permalink.