Many breast cancer survivors will tell you that the treatment for their cancer was worse than the disease itself. But they consider it a “necessary evil” they had to endure to beat the cancer.
Now, a new study has found that in some cases, one of the harshest parts of that treatment doesn’t appear to be doing as much good as we’ve been told.
The new research finds that if you or a loved one ever develops breast cancer, you may be able to avoid radiation if you have one of the most common forms of the disease.
And skipping those sickening radiation treatments won’t just save you time and money. It could also lead to a quicker recovery, less fatigue, and a better quality of life.
Research finds radiation isn’t always necessary
When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, the oncologist will typically have all your treatments lined up like a set menu:
- hormone drugs
- surgery
- radiation
But the new study finds most older women may be able to SKIP the last course on the menu. And according to many who’ve gone through it, that’s a HUGE win because radiation is often the worst part of breast cancer treatment.
Instead of a one-and-done procedure, radiation typically drones on for five soul-sapping weeks. The treatment is marked by pain, swelling, fatigue, skin issues, sore throats, and more.
Worst of all, radiation could set the stage for new cancers to develop later. In other words, it’s clear why you really want to avoid the treatment if at all possible.
And if you’re over 55 and have low-grade luminal A breast cancer, there’s a good chance you can do just that. The new study finds that women who have surgery and endocrine therapy but skip the radiation have a low recurrence rate over five years.
So low, in fact, that they can safely avoid radiotherapy altogether. That could spare up to 40,000 American women from this treatment EVERY year.
Help stop breast cancer from returning
That’s already great news for women facing breast cancer. But I want to take this discovery from great to fantastic. Because stopping with a “low rate of recurrence” just isn’t good enough for me.
I want to try to make those odds even lower. And focusing on your kitchen could help you do just that.
Take green tea, for example. This delicious addition to your day is a natural antioxidant. Plus, it has specifically been shown to reduce the odds of cancer returning.
Green tea contains minerals and other nutrients that can help protect the heart, brain, and more. But one compound, in particular, EGCG, has helped stop the growth of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, in lab experiments.
And while you’re in the kitchen, why not whip up some delicious mushrooms too? Ordinary oyster and button mushrooms are among those that have been studied for their cancer-fighting properties.
Indian researchers have shown that mushrooms can help boost the immune system, slow the growth of cancer cells, prevent cancer cells from spreading, and even help repair DNA to prevent cancer mutations.
In a second study, women who ate mushrooms daily were 64 percent less likely to develop breast cancer tumors. It wasn’t a cause-and-effect type study, of course. But with such a strong link, it’s a good idea to consider putting some tasty mushrooms on your own menu.
Plus, just last year, I shared the details on a delicious snack food that could help reduce your odds of having to battle breast cancer again. Click here to catch up on all the details.
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