Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. In the UK, over 55,000 of new cases of Breast cancer are registered every year. This disease can occur in both men and women, but it is much more frequent in women.

Survival rates of breast cancer have increased, and the number of deaths related to this disease are steadily decreasing, largely due to factors such as early detection, a new approach to personalised treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

Which mushrooms have useful properties for breast cancer?

Through the selected fungi we intend a better response to conventional treatment and reduce the associated effects associated with these treatments.

The nutritional deficiencies of the oncological patient are a complex phenomenon, of multifactorial etiology and of important clinical consequences, which have an inseparable relationship with the severity of the disease.

By improving the nutritional status of the patient we improve their immune response and with it the risk of opportunistic infections and side effects.

There are data that justify the use of fungal extracts as a complement in chemotherapy treatments to reduce pain, cachexia and side effects (loss of hair and appetite, vomiting, etc.).

A correct nutritional status will help:

• Improve the tolerance to treatments and / or reduce the complications derived from them.
• Improve the response of our defensive system (immunological) against diseases and thereby.
• Reduce the risk associated with these and enhance the treatment received.
• Increase physical activity, mobility, etc., reducing periods of convalescence.
• Favour a more appropriate psycho-emotional state, reducing depression, asthenia, anxiety, etc.
• Maintain an adequate balance of the organism (homeostasis) and a correct functioning of organs and systems.

Reishi

Patients treated with Reishi were more likely to respond positively to chemotherapy or radiation therapy compared to those who received only chemo or radiotherapy.

Oncological patients treated with Reishi show a considerable increase in the percentages of lymphocytes, an improvement in the quality of life and a reduction in side effects (nausea and insomnia) compared to the untreated ones.

Reishi contains biologically active compounds against the estrogen-mediated signaling system in tumor cells involved in this type of tumor.

The extract of Reishi has demonstrated sedative and anti-inflammatory capacity, as well as an increase in the total time of sleep, improving the quality of life.

Royal Sun Agaricus

The Mushroom extract of the sun produces improvements in appetite, alopecia, emotional stability and general weakness in gynecological patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Maitake

The extract of Grifola frondosa is able to produce symptomatic improvements or regression of cancer in 68.8% of patients with breast cancer.

Polyporus

Extracts of Polyporus umbellatus present anticancer activity against different cellular models and immunostimulatory activity.

Polyporus is used in medicine for the treatment of edema due to its diuretic activity, so it can be useful in the elimination of edema caused by certain types of cancer or by chemotherapy.

PSK

The extract of Coriolus versicolor (PSK) is able to improve the survival of patients with different types of cancer (mean 9% increase in overall survival and disease-free survival at 5 years) used in combination with chemotherapy against pharmacological treatment isolated.

Nutrition recommendations and healthy habits

Feeding

ADVISABLE

• Consume plenty of fluids and follow a varied diet rich in vegetables and fruits. This has been associated with a reduction in the risk of this type of cancer due to its content of vitamins and antioxidants. Try to eat the colors of the rainbow, the more varied the colors of your fruits and vegetables, the more complete your diet will be. Avoid refined white flours. Substitute them for organic wholemeal flours that will give you fiber and more nutrients.
• Avoid white sugar or reduce consumption to a minimum. It uses, preferably, natural sweeteners such as cinnamon, stevia or organic honeys.
• Instead of making large meals, it is recommended to make five or six takes a day.
• Drink more than 2 liters of water a day, especially on the days when you receive the treatment. If you get tired of the water, you have infusions to increase your water intake. This will help you in your water balance.
• It is recommended to complete the treatment with an emotional stabilizer that will help you relax and sleep better.
• You can also take nutritional supplements that help protect and promote the activity of your microbiota and avoid constipation associated with treatment.

INADVISABLE

• Very hot foods, fried, spicy, very spicy and flatulent.
• Stimulating and gas drinks.
• Tobacco and alcohol.
• Processed products rich in added sugars, additives and artificial colors such as industrial pastries, sweets, refined cereals, toast, cookies …
• The consumption of trans fats present in processed products such as margarines, fried foods, refined oils …
• Red and processed meat such as sausages, sausages …
• Fast-absorbing carbohydrates that raise blood glucose such as sweets, sugar, fructose, refined flours (white bread, sliced ​​bread, cookies, biscuits …).

Oral hygiene

ADVISABLE

• Make a gentle toothbrush and rinse with water and baking soda after each meal.
• It is recommended to take supplements that help prevent opportunistic infections that generate mucositis.
• Visit the dentist before starting treatment.

INADVISABLE

• Dental extractions and / or any type of dental manipulation (consult your doctor beforehand).

Skin care

ADVISABLE

• Apply moisturizing lotions, to be able to be natural, free of carbomers, DEA, petrochemical derivatives, parabens, synthetic perfumes, phthalates, synthetic dyes and sulfates.
• Protect yourself from solar radiation. Do not expose yourself to the sun between 12 and 6 in the afternoon. Use sunglasses, hats or hats, umbrellas, etc. Use creams of total protection. The lips are a particularly sensitive area, take care and nurture them regularly.

INADVISABLE

• Skin injuries (shaving with razors).
• Direct exposures to the sun.

Hair care

ADVISABLE

• Use a neutral shampoo and combs with thick and separate prongs.
• Wash your hair with warm water, performing gentle friction. Dry it in the air, without using a dryer.
• Use vegetable dyes without ammonia.

INADVISABLE

• Hair dryer with very hot air.
• Recommendations to be taken into account during chemo and radiotherapy treatments.
• Use vegetable dyes without ammonia.

These councils have been developed by the nursing service of the Santa Isabel Clinic and Hifas da Terra.

References