As I write this blog post we’re one week out from October 1, the “official” start of breast cancer awareness month.
You and I both know October brings a barrage of pink breast cancer awareness products that have NOTHING whatsoever to do with actual breast cancer (more about that in a future blog post), along with a relentless focus on the disease that bears the distinction of being the most common cancer in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022.
There’s too much breast cancer, and the number of diagnoses are not receding; in fact, in 2021 there were 272,454 new female breast cancer cases compared to 245,070 in 2020 (CDC trends data).
I’ve said this before and it continues to be my fervent belief. . .we need to find the CAUSE. When we know what CAUSES something, we can stop doing the thing that’s doing the causing.
Unfortunately we don’t yet have that, so until that time I’ll continue to do my part to help women who’ve walked that breast cancer path.
Controlling What You Can After Breast Cancer
Since my own diagnosis on October 27, 2014, I’ve made it my mission to educate women on the things that are in their “control” after hormone-driven breast cancer treatment ends, namely, taking care to eat as well as they can as often as they can, with peace, not panic.
That’s easier said than done, as you may well know if you’re someone who struggles with panic, confusion or uncertainty about your own post-treatment diet.
Here’s what you CAN control:
- The way you think about food
- The way you think about food translates to how you view food; is it an enemy to be feared or an ally that aids in rebuilding and maintaining your health after treatment ends?
- Foods you stock in your pantry
- The foods in your pantry don’t get there on their own; you’re in charge of learning which foods make you feel your best and stocking 80% of your pantry with those items. The other 20%? After-breast cancer diets aren’t all broccoli and brown rice you know! Remember to stock foods you enjoy as “sometime treats”
- Your approach to fueling your body
- Fueling your body for optimal nutritional health and well-being means being FLEXIBLE; strict “food rules” or draconian diet deprivation approaches aren’t sustainable (nor enjoyable!) for the long-term
Kick Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Grace
I invite you to give yourself grace as you navigate your nutrition this month.
The hyper-focus on breast cancer can be unsettling, especially if you’ve recently finished treatment and are obsessed with what foods to put or not put in your mouth.
There’s no need to be perfect about what you put on your plate, no reason to second-guess every bite, and definitely no benefit to white-knuckling every eating opportunity.
Here’s to ending the month of October feeling grounded and sane about your nutrition! Should you need help accomplishing that, leave a comment below and tell me how I can best support you. . .I want to know because listen, I’m here for you, my fellow survivor.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.
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