Breast cancer is no longer just your grandmother’s disease.
Young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer more than ever before, in part thanks to advanced research and early diagnostics.
“Our patients used to be around 60 or 70, even 80 when first diagnosed,” said Anne Zobec, nurse practitioner at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. “Women are being screened at younger ages and catching breast cancer earlier.”
Although discovering it in the early stages is significant, young breast cancer patients often encounter complications older patients might not have to deal with.
“Chemotherapy basically suppresses estrogen in the body,” Zobec said. “This sends patients deep into menopause early on.”
Symptoms of menopause like severe hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia combined with symptoms of cancer treatment like fatigue and nausea can make the journey to healing a painful one.
“Both create a roller coaster of moods that make everything even more difficult to handle,” Zobec said. “It’s also a concern for those who might still want to have children.”
Estrogen hormones feed breast cancer, barring patients from receiving hormone therapy to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It’s also important that patients don’t try over-the-counter remedies marketed to alleviate menopause symptoms.
“Even herbs and other ingredients can be turned into estrogens in the body,” Zobec said. “We have found that a low-dose antidepressant is very helpful for these patients, sometimes reducing symptoms as much as 60 percent.”
If the low dose doesn’t seem effective, doctors can gradually increase the dose until they see results, or they might recommend a change in diet.
“We have also come to realize that a low-carbohydrate diet similar to the South Beach Diet is an effective tool for breast cancer patients,” Zobec said.
Participating in some form of aerobic exercise at least five days a week increases a patient’s ability to minimize discomfort.
“Adipose tissue, or body fat, makes estrogen which feeds the breast cancer, so reducing body fat is helpful,” Zobec said. “Losing just 10-15 pounds is a substantial advantage and reduces the risk of recurrence.”
No matter their healthcare needs, a breast cancer patient going through both menopause and treatment should never enter their fight alone. Zobec’s team at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is ready to help should patients need a support network. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers partners with Penrose Cancer Center, part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering advanced, integrated cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.
“Good support is a huge help in managing every symptom,” Zobec said. “From fatigue, to emotions, poor body image and low libido; patients and their partners have to stay as healthy and positive as possible.”
Source: gazette.com
Young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer more than ever before, in part thanks to advanced research and early diagnostics.
“Our patients used to be around 60 or 70, even 80 when first diagnosed,” said Anne Zobec, nurse practitioner at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. “Women are being screened at younger ages and catching breast cancer earlier.”
Although discovering it in the early stages is significant, young breast cancer patients often encounter complications older patients might not have to deal with.
“Chemotherapy basically suppresses estrogen in the body,” Zobec said. “This sends patients deep into menopause early on.”
Symptoms of menopause like severe hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia combined with symptoms of cancer treatment like fatigue and nausea can make the journey to healing a painful one.
“Both create a roller coaster of moods that make everything even more difficult to handle,” Zobec said. “It’s also a concern for those who might still want to have children.”
Estrogen hormones feed breast cancer, barring patients from receiving hormone therapy to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It’s also important that patients don’t try over-the-counter remedies marketed to alleviate menopause symptoms.
“Even herbs and other ingredients can be turned into estrogens in the body,” Zobec said. “We have found that a low-dose antidepressant is very helpful for these patients, sometimes reducing symptoms as much as 60 percent.”
If the low dose doesn’t seem effective, doctors can gradually increase the dose until they see results, or they might recommend a change in diet.
“We have also come to realize that a low-carbohydrate diet similar to the South Beach Diet is an effective tool for breast cancer patients,” Zobec said.
Participating in some form of aerobic exercise at least five days a week increases a patient’s ability to minimize discomfort.
“Adipose tissue, or body fat, makes estrogen which feeds the breast cancer, so reducing body fat is helpful,” Zobec said. “Losing just 10-15 pounds is a substantial advantage and reduces the risk of recurrence.”
No matter their healthcare needs, a breast cancer patient going through both menopause and treatment should never enter their fight alone. Zobec’s team at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is ready to help should patients need a support network. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers partners with Penrose Cancer Center, part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering advanced, integrated cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.
“Good support is a huge help in managing every symptom,” Zobec said. “From fatigue, to emotions, poor body image and low libido; patients and their partners have to stay as healthy and positive as possible.”
Source: gazette.com
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