A new study found that women over 65 with breast cancer are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than from their cancer.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 60,000 women in the United States, aged 66 and older, who were followed for at least 12 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. By the end of the follow-up period researchers found:
- Nearly half of the women were still alive.
- Those who died lived to an average age of 83.
- More than two-thirds of them died from causes other than breast cancer.
- Cardiovascular disease killed more of the women than breast cancer.
- Women who were most likely to die of breast cancer included those who were diagnosed at a younger age and those with a high tumor grade or estrogen receptor-negative status.
This study may help women look beyond their cancer diagnosis and focus on taking care of the whole person when it comes staying healthy and living longer.
"Cancer is a big killer and is responsible for about a quarter of all deaths. However, breast cancer is not necessarily a death sentence and patients need to take care of their health to reduce their risk of dying from heart disease and other age-related diseases," study author Jennifer Patnaik, of the University of Colorado, said in a journal news release.
Women can help reduce their risk of heart disease, breast cancer and other age-related health conditions by following these guidelines:
- Eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains which are packed with antioxidants. Reduce your intake of animal fats and increase your consumption of healthy fats found in fish, olive oil nuts and avocados. The Mediterranean Diet is an example of a healthy diet that, according to researchers, can reduce the risk of heart disease and breast cancer.
- Get regular exercise daily or at least 4-5 times a week and maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit consumption of alcohol, overly processed foods and high-sugar drinks and snacks.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
American Cancer Society
Reuters