Keep breast cancer away Easy English fact sheet

This fact sheet is about how to keep breast cancer away.

You can also view this fact sheet as a PDF, audio file or request a hard copy version that will be mailed out to you. 

How you might feel after treatment

	It is normal to worry that breast cancer might come back.
	It is good to know that most breast cancers do not come back.
	In Australia we have good programs to screen and treat breast cancer.

Things you can do to help keep breast cancer away

You can live a healthy life

 

	eat healthy food
	exercise
	relax
	drink less alcohol
	do not smoke
	see your doctor when you need to.

You can have a healthy weight

	If you are overweight it is good to lose weight.
	When you have a healthy weight it helps to keep cancer away.
	Do not worry about it.
	It takes time to lose weight. Try to lose a small amount of weight each week.
	If you eat healthy food and exercise you might lose weight.

You can eat healthy food

It is good to eat healthy food.

	For example fruit and vegetables
	wholegrain cereals, for example – bread – rice – pasta
	low fat meat, for example – beef – chicken – fish
	dairy food, for example – low fat yoghurt – low fat cheese.

It can be hard to eat healthy food all the time.

You can try to

	only eat when you are hungry
	take time to chew your food
	plan your meals for the week
	write down the food you eat
	eat healthy snacks. For example, nuts.

You can also

	eat small meals
	stop when you feel full
	eat less fried food
	drink less juice and soft drink.

If you feel tired

 

	sit down when you make food
	buy food that is cut up and ready to cook.
	It is also good to drink lots of water. Try to drink 8 glasses of water each day.

You can exercise

	It is good to exercise.
	Exercise can help keep breast cancer away.

Exercise can help you feel

	better
	less tired
	less pain.

 

 

	You can start to exercise any time.
	Start with a small amount of exercise.
	When you feel ready do more exercise.

 

	You can exercise when you have treatment for breast cancer.
	It is good to start exercise early in your treatment.

If you are under 65 try to

	exercise up to 5 hours each week
	lift small weights 2 days each week.

If you are 65 or over try to

	exercise up to 30 minutes each day
	do different types of exercises.

There are lots of exercises you can do.
For example, you can

	walk
	swim
	dance
	play golf
	do yoga.

It might be hard for you to exercise.
You might feel

	tired
	sore
	sad.

Try to keep up with your exercise.
You can

	exercise with friends and family
	do exercises you like
	try different exercises
	listen to music or watch TV when you exercise
	exercise outside – it is free.

You can also 

 

	make a plan to exercise
	exercise when you do not feel tired
	start slow
	drink lots of water
	protect yourself from the sun.

You can try to drink less alcohol

	When you drink less alcohol it can help keep breast cancer away.
	Try not to drink more than 2 standard alcohol drinks each day.

It might be hard for you to drink less alcohol.
You can try to 

	eat when you drink alcohol
	start with a drink that has no alcohol
	not drink fast
	have drinks with low alcohol
	drink water too.

You can try not to smoke

	If you do not smoke it helps keep cancer away.
	If you smoke you can have more health problems.
	It can take longer to get better when you smoke.

It might be hard for you to not smoke.

	You can call Quitline on 13 78 48 for ideas about how to stop.
	Your doctor can also help you to stop.

You can do things that help you relax

When you relax it can help you feel better. 

You can try to

	do tai chi
	do yoga
	meditate.

You can also do things you like.
For example

	read
	garden
	listen to music
	have a massage
	walk
	see a movie with a friend.

You can go to your doctor appointments

	It is important to know about your appointments.
	It is important to go to your appointments
	After treatment for breast cancer your doctor will need to check your breasts for changes.
	It is normal to worry about your appointment with your doctor.
	It is good to know if there is a new cancer.
	It is good to treat the cancer early.

Your doctor can also get you help.
For example

	help with your medicine
	find a person you can talk to about your problems.

It is good to check your breasts at home.

Check

	around your breast
	behind your nipple
	under your arm.

If you find something and you are worried call your doctor straight away.

More information

	Breast Cancer Network Australia website Phone: 1800 500 258
	Cancer Australia website
	Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre website
	Cancer Council website Phone: 13 11 20
	Talk to your doctor.

BCNA acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre - A Richard Pratt legacy.

© Scope (Aust) Ltd. You may only use this document for your own personal, non-commercial purposes. The Easy English in this publication has been prepared by Scope (Aust) Ltd, based on content provided by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), August 2017. To see the original, contact BCNA.