Breast cancer and THE MENOPAUSE

It’s the big question – can you take HRT if you’ve had breast cancer? And if not, what can you do? Catherine Blyth reports

Hormone replacement therapy has been controversial for those who’ve had breast cancer, like me, as studies suggest it increases the chance of getting it again. But the risks remain uncertain, and more research is needed. So, could you try HRT if you’ve had breast cancer?

According to oncologist Dr Sileida Oliveros, HRT is not advised for patients recovering from a breast cancer related to oestrogen, because of the danger of recurrence. ‘Those who’ve had a non-oestrogen-receptor positive cancer could potentially have HRT,’ she says. But once you’ve suffered any form of breast cancer, the probability of another, new breast cancer goes up. And a new cancer could be oestrogen-receptor positive.

So, before considering HRT, try these remedies that can help menopause symptoms, and possibly cancer, too…

1 STOCK UP ON SOYA

As a phytoestrogen, it’s similar to oestrogen and can calm hot flushes. While phytoestrogens have been considered potentially unsafe for survivors of hormone-related breast cancer, recent research has shifted perspectives. ‘Soy consumption may be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, recurrence and mortality,’ explains oncology dietician Gerald Remy, who advises a largely plant-based diet.

2 WATCH WHEN YOU EAT

Intermittent fasting – that is, increasing the time between supper and breakfast the next day – has many benefits, including smoothing the effects of hormonal imbalance. A study found that breast cancer survivors who waited less than 13 hours between their evening and morning meal had a 36% greater risk of cancer coming back. Fasters also tend to eat smaller portions, more often, and sleep for longer.

3 DRINK WISELY

Keep alcohol off the menu to avoid night sweats. It also interacts with the widely used medicine Tamoxifen, and raises the risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile, caffeine can increase hot flushes and insomnia. But make an exception before 2pm for green tea, which some believe has cancer-fighting properties and may enhance the efficacy of some cancer treatments. Also, get juicing. ‘Include alfalfa and broccoli sprouts – amazing for energy, flushes and night sweats,’ recommends consultant gynaecologist Tania Adib.

4 LIFT WEIGHTS

‘Exercise is medicine, aiding cancer recovery and potentially lowering the chance it will recur,’ says oncology therapist Lucy Ridgway. Lifting weights boosts bone and muscle mass, and studies find it can reduce hot flushes in breast cancer patients by up to 50%! Start gently: build up from 1kg dumbbells. Or try vertical press-ups. Stand, hands against a wall at shoulder height, then lean forwards bending at the elbows. As you push back up, exhale for added power.

5 GET SUPPLEMENT SAVVY

Tania Adib recommends supplements including a multivitamin, high-dose vitamin D3, omega 3 for joints and cognition, and a probiotic for gut health. Magnesium also helps sleep and hot flushes. But before taking anything, consult a doctor to see if it’s right for you. For instance, curcumin (in turmeric) can reduce inflammation and cancer, but interacts with Tamoxifen.