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Three groundbreaking studies presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 in Barcelona are shedding light on how lifestyle choices after breast cancer treatment can influence long-term outcomes. Conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the US, the studies focus on breastfeeding and physical activity, offering promising implications for breast cancer survivors.
Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer: A Safe Option for Many
Two of the studies focused on the feasibility and safety of breastfeeding after a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly for young patients. These findings provide critical insights for survivors who may wish to start or expand their families.
The first study examined 474 women diagnosed with stage I-III invasive breast cancer before age 40, who carried genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, making them more susceptible to cancer. Conducted in collaboration with 78 hospitals and cancer centers worldwide, the study found that breastfeeding did not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or the development of cancer in the other breast.
The second study, part of the larger POSITIVE trial, analyzed outcomes for women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who paused their endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy. The trial included 518 patients aged 42 or younger, of whom 317 had a live birth. Notably, 196 of these women chose to breastfeed. The study found that breast-conserving surgery was a key factor favoring breastfeeding success, further emphasizing that breastfeeding is safe and feasible for this patient group.
“These studies provide the first evidence on the safety of breastfeeding after breast cancer in young patients with BRCA variations and in those who paused endocrine therapy to conceive,” said Dr. Ann Partridge, founder and director of the Programme for Young Adults with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber. She added that the results support the ability of mothers to nurture their infants without compromising their own safety.
Physical Activity: A Boost for Overweight Breast Cancer Survivors
The third study focused on physical activity and weight loss in overweight breast cancer survivors. It analyzed data from the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) trial, which is investigating whether weight loss can reduce cancer recurrence risk. The trial introduced a telephone-based coaching program aimed at increasing physical activity levels in women with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range.
“Our results show that a telephone-based weight-loss intervention can motivate this group of patients to be more physically active,” said Jennifer Ligibel, the study’s lead author. This finding holds particular importance as physical activity is linked to improved survival rates and overall health in breast cancer survivors.
Shaping the Future of Breast Cancer Recovery
Together, these studies present a compelling case for the role of lifestyle interventions in shaping long-term outcomes for breast cancer patients. For young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood after breast cancer, these findings offer reassurance about the safety of breastfeeding. Additionally, the impact of weight loss and increased physical activity could lead to better survivorship outcomes for patients with higher BMI.
As researchers continue to uncover the relationship between lifestyle choices and cancer recurrence, these studies mark significant progress in helping breast cancer survivors live healthier, fuller lives.
