Know anyone who is fighting breast cancer? A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology uncovered two amazingly successful weapons.
This study evaluated the diet and exercise habits of 1,490 women with breast cancer (stages I, II or III). Researchers wanted to know whether diet, exercise or obesity would affect survival rates.
Turns out, those who ate a high number of fruits and vegetables (5 servings a day) and who exercised regularly (equivalent to walking 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week) were able to nearly double their odds of survival.
Interestingly, those who ate the fruits and vegetables but did not exercise, did not see the benefit. Similarly, those who exercised but did not eat the fruits and vegetables, also did not see the benefit.
The most fascinating finding of this study was that this increased survival rate happened regardless of whether the cancer patient was obese.
So, whether or not you struggle with your weight, be sure to enjoy those fruits and vegetables and get outside for a walk every day!
by Dorothea Sarli, Nutritionist
-Pierce, J.P., Stefanick, M.L., Flatt, S.W., et al. (2007). Greater survival after breast cancer in physically active women with high vegetable-fruit intake regardless of obesity. J Clin Oncol. 25(17):2345–2351. doi:10.1200/JCO.2006.08.6819
