Reducing the Risk of Cancer Recurrence

By Helana Shumway, Community Engagement Liaison

Dr. Alissa Huston is a Medical Oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Center and the Co-Medical Director of the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. For the Coalition’s May 2024 Evening Education Webinar, entitled Reducing the Risk of Recurrence, Dr. Huston presented on embracing proactive strategies and making lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce the chances that cancer will return after it’s been treated. As she recently shared, “Lifestyle changes can play an important role in breast cancer risk reduction and also empower patients to be partners in their overall wellness following a breast cancer diagnosis.”

While her presentation often included data specifically on breast cancer incidence and recurrence, the information Dr. Huston provided was beneficial for anyone wishing to prioritize healthy living habits and deter the resurgence of cancer cells following treatment.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences views breast cancer as arising from a combination of factors including one’s genetic makeup (genes), their hormones, and the environment.(1) According to Dr. Huston, this combination of factors is important because it includes both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. There are certain factors that we do not have control over (non-modifiable). These include aging, genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breast tissue, a personal breast cancer history or presence of a high-risk lesion(s), a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, previous treatment with radiation to the chest, prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), gender, and race.

When it comes to reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, focusing our energy on modifiable risk factors, or those factors over which we have some level of control, is key. This includes such factors as hormone use, weight, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking, and environmental exposures. We can make intentional decisions about our health in these areas.

Dr. Huston’s presentation focused a great deal on the immediate and long-term health benefits of physical activity in our lives. For adults, exercising just once can help improve sleep, and can reduce blood pressure and levels of anxiety. Long-term benefits of physical activity can include reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease, strengthening our bones, improving overall balance, and maintaining a healthy weight. Importantly, there is evidence that physical activity is correlated with lowering the risk of many cancer types, such as breast, colon, stomach, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, stomach, and lung.(2)

Furthermore, exercising regularly can improve the immune system’s functioning and can reduce inflammation in the body. The American Cancer Society® recommends that adults exercise at a moderate intensity for 150-300 minutes each week, or a vigorous intensity for at least 75 minutes. This does not necessitate purchasing a gym membership or running long distances daily. On the contrary, activities such as gardening, mowing the lawn, canoeing, or going for a walk are great examples of moderate intensity exercise.(3)

Dr. Huston also discussed the ways that nutrition plays an essential role in our overall health and reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Focusing on a diet that includes nutrient-rich foods such as dark green vegetables, legumes, and whole fruits appears highly beneficial. Simultaneously cutting out or greatly limiting red meat, processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol is advised.(3)

Dr. Huston recommended eating organic when possible, as food from organic farms is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.(4) Check with the Environmental Working Group’s list of the Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ to see recommendations for fruits and vegetables that are most important to be eaten as organic produce.(5)

The webinar also discussed environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, and PFAs. Such chemicals have been linked to the development of breast cancer.(6) Dr. Huston suggested the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living App,⁵ which allows users to scan and review products to make educated choices when shopping.

A common misconception is that most breast cancer is caused by a genetic link to the disease. In fact, only about 10-15% of breast cancer cases involve a known genetic mutation.(7) As Dr. Huston explained, breast cancer arises from a mix of factors that we can and cannot control; those who experience a recurrence aren’t at fault for their situation.

Still, it is beneficial to focus on lifestyle factors that we can modify, as these changes can play an essential role in reducing the risk of breast and other types of cancer. And they empower us to be our own best advocate when it comes to overall health and wellness.

1. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/breast-cancer
2. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/adults.html
3. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21591
4. https://www.epa.gov/agriculture/organic-farming
5. https://www.ewg.org/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7286136/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32801835/