Self-Management of Breast Cancer

According to "Supported Self-Management,” an article published by the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (2010), the number of those suffering from cancer or recovering has risen, with the greatest contributor being breast cancer. Thus, it can be argued that after treatment, there are many steps to take to successfully transition back into daily life. Aside from physical recovery, breast cancer survivors must focus on several other aspects on a day-to-day basis.

A topic widely discussed for breast cancer survivors is self-management. Although there are several definitions used, the review “Self-Management: Enabling and empowering patients living with cancer as a chronic illness (2015),” summarizes that it includes “tasks that individuals undertake to deal with the medical, role, and emotional management of their health condition.” Thus, due to improvements in detecting and treating cancer, many patients are living as survivors, but are responsible for their self-care following it. In addition, The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative summarized that “patient engagement in healthcare via self-management is widely [recognized] as crucial to improved outcomes for people with long-term chronic conditions (DH, 2010). With increased cancer survivorship, cancer in its chronic form, or with late consequences of treatment and co-morbidities, it is equally or even more crucial to cancer survivors.”

To complete self-management, there are several factors to consider. For example, the article “Supported Self-Management” (2010) listed the following: tailored information (to increase cancer survivors knowledge on their specific health), self –efficacy (the confidence to apply the tailored information), collaborative effort between the patient and healthcare provider (empowerment for both groups to communicate effectively), among several others as ways to correctly self-manage. Emotional support was also mentioned, which can be completed through counseling and group sessions.

Tailored information can apply to many other aspects of breast cancer recovery, including nutrition, exercise, and daily monitoring. For example, the University of California at San Francisco produced the following nutritional chart to assist breast cancer survivors. They argue that altering a diet will be a difficult lifestyle change, but it can provide a sense of well-being, while also lowering chances of recurrence or acquirement.

Recommendations	Examples
1. Lower dietary fat to between 10% to 20% of calories	Low or nonfat foods
2. Eat more plant-based protein and eat less animal-based protein	More beans and soy Less turkey and lean meats
3. Minimum daily servings of: Grains: 6 per day Vegetables: 3-5 per day Fruits: 2-4 per day Beans: 1-2 per day Soy: 1-2 per day	Whole grains Cruciferous vegetables Pinto and kidney beans Tofu and soy milk
4. Drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day	Carry a water bottle
5. Limit caffeine to no more than 1 to 2 cups a day	Herbal teas
6. Drink alcohol in moderation	No more than 3 servings per week
7. Limit nitrates and cured foods	Hot dogs
8. Decrease food additives	Artificial flavors

*This chart is from the University of California at San Francisco with recommendations of how to eat healthier, as well as examples.

Although self-management is mainly related to a cancer survivor, it is definitely not limited to them. Cancer can affect anyone, and thus, it is important for every person to manage their current health on a daily basis, which could lessen the risks of acquiring the disease. This could be done in ways such as, limiting their access to known carcinogens, proper nutrition, exercise, and regular check-ups with a physician. Although these do not guarantee immunity from cancer, they do decrease the risk.

Website Links:

Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery: Nutrition. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2015, from http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/breast_cancer_self-care_and_recovery/nutrition/

Davies, N., & Batehup, L. (2010, March 1). SELF-MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: GUIDANCE FOR DEVELOPING INTERVENTIONS. Retrieved July 30, 2015.

McCorkle, R., Ercolano, E., Lazenby, M., Schulman-Green, D., Schilling, L., Lorig, K., & Wagner, E. (n.d.). Self-Management: Enabling and empowering patients living with cancer as a chronic illness. Retrieved July 30, 2015.