Breastfeeding Benefits Childhood Cancer Survivors
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS
Researchers report that women who survived childhood cancer may benefit during adulthood, from breastfeeding their infants.
The number of childhood cancer survivors is growing and eighty percent of children and adolescents treated for cancer survive. However, survivors face a number of health challenges, including various effects of both the cancer itself and the treatment.
Breastfeeding appeared to improve bone mineral density, metabolic syndrome risk factors, cardiovascular disease and the risk of secondary tumors, all of which are negatively affected by the treatments for childhood cancer. The scientists advised that – in addition to traditional advice to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid tobacco smoke, use sun protection, and get exercise – women who have survived childhood cancer should be encouraged to breastfeed to help protect them from the lasting effects of both the cancer and its treatment. This study was released online on January 20, 2011, but the full study will not be available until a future issue of the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
Yoga Helps Cancer Survivors
As many as two thirds of cancer patients suffer regularly from fatigue and difficulty sleeping long after their treatments have been discontinued. But a new study offers these people the promise of better sleep and improved quality of life.
Researchers found that cancer survivors who perform gentle yoga twice a week report they sleep better, feel less tired and enjoy better quality of life. The regimen included “breathing exercises, gentle Hatha and restorative yoga postures and mindfulness exercises.”
The largest study of its type, this brief outline was released May 20. Full details will be available when the study is formally presented at the June, 2010 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.