For girls who survive cancer -- for the most part a given, since 80 percent of kids who undergo cancer treatments achieve long-term survival -- one of the best things they can do as adults for their health is to breastfeed her children whenever possible, if for no other reason than to counteract the negative effects of their earlier treatments, according to a recent study.

Based on a review of previous research, scientists believe breastfeeding may allow women to avoid or at least lessen some late effects -- side effects that occur more than five years after a cancer diagnosis due to chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy -- of their cancer treatments. Among them:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Bone mineral density
• Metabolic syndrome risk factors
• Secondary tumors

Researchers also noted other things women can do to protect their health, specifically from the lasting effects of their cancer treatments. No surprise, we touch on many of these health-affirming habits -- better nutrition, exercise and safe sun exposure -- often in this space.

Journal of Cancer Survivorship January 21, 2011

healthfinder.gov January 25, 2011

ScienceDaily January 21, 2011

Not unlike the losing battle of the bulge -- Americans talking more about preventing obesity than doing anything about it -- the same applies to most older long-term cancer survivors.Scientists had good reasons to review the data of 753 seniors (age 65 and older) who had survived five years or longer from various cancers (prostate, colorectal and breast). Few studies have documented the health habits of this age group that encompasses more than half of the 11 million cancer survivors in America.

Although all patients were interested in participating in the study, most had generally poor health habits, for example, reporting only 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week, a fraction of the 150-minute national recommendation. Only 7 percent of the patients surveyed followed healthy diet guidelines.

The news was not completely bad, however. Patients who followed more nutritious diets and exercise plans felt better physically and had more vitality. And, even those cancer survivors who followed suboptimal health habits enjoyed a better quality of life, both physically and mentally, that exceeded those usually reported by seniors.

Learn more about surviving and thriving after cancer with these great tips from the American Cancer Society.

Cancer (Journal) July 27, 2009

MSN Health & Fitness July 27, 2009

Science Daily July 28, 2009