A new study of more than 5,000 women has found that breast cancer patients who eat more soy are less likely to die or experience a cancer recurrence than women who eat no or few soy products. Yes, that’s a reverse from previous guidance on breast cancer and soy! Read more about the study at CNN: Soy may benefit breast cancer survivors, study says.

Too intimidated to exercise

Published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, study findings revealed information on attitudes about exercise. From an online survey, researchers at The George Washington University Medical Center learned that overweight people believed exercise improved self image and appearance more than individuals of normal weight. However, overweight survey participants felt more embarrassed and intimidated about exercising around other people, including young people or fit people. They were also more embarrassed around health club salespeople. Researchers believe that for overweight people, negative emotions surrounding health club exercise could be stronger in controlling regular exercise than intellectual facts, such as known benefits of exercise.

Obesity affects breast cancer outcomes

A study with a 30-year follow-up found that breast cancer patients with a high BMI had an increased risk of dying from breast cancer. Treatment also seemed to lose its effect more rapidly in obese patients. The study included data from almost 54,000 women in the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group database. Researchers suggest that women should make an effort to keep their BMI under 25. The research findings were presented at the CTRC-AACR Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

(Image via flickr/SashaW)

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Health Bits: Soy Benefits, Exercise Intent

Women with breast cancer are very likely to have low levels of vitamin D, say researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center. Vitamin D, found in milk and fortified cereals, is important for bone health, and breast cancer patients may experience accelerated bone loss with hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

In the study, nearly 70% of breast cancer patients had low levels of vitamin D. Women with late-stage disease and non-Caucasian women had the lowest levels. Women with a deficiency in vitamin D in the study showed improvement after they were given high weekly doses of vitamin D: 50,000 international units or more.

Researchers report that it’s vital for women and their doctors to work together to avoid vitamin D deficiency, which could lead to decreased bone mass and greater risk of fractures. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include common experiences that many women undergoing breast cancer treatment already face: low energy, fatigue, muscle pain, weak bones or fractures, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression, mood swings and sleep irregularities.

Researcher Luke Peppone, Ph.D. reports that the finding of low levels of vitamin D in breast cancer patients isn’t surprising since other studies have shown that nearly half of adults are deficient in the vitamin, which can be gained by exposure to sunlight.

(Image via stock.xchng)

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Breast Cancer Patients, Low Vitamin D

These, I got from Allison Blass (New Media Coordinator, MWW Group):

As part of the “Power in Pink” campaign, Under Armour is encouraging survivors and women currently living with breast cancer to share their inspirational stories of strength and survival at www.underarmour.com/powerinpink.

Under Armour will select three stories of undeniable courage to become the new faces of the “Power in Pink” campaign and star in national magazine and online advertisements and in-store visuals. Stories will be accepted through April 30, 2008.

In 2003, Under Armour created the “Power in Pink” campaign to help educate female athletes about the benefits of physical activity in helping to overcome breast cancer and lead a healthy lifestyle. During the months of September and October, while supplies last, consumers will be able to purchase exclusive, ribbon-imprinted styles at www.uawomen.com/powerinpink and retail locations nationwide including Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, Modell’s and Nordstrom.

Visitors to the site will be able to read the stories of the three survivors and learn about their resolve to overcome breast cancer. In addition, the site will feature links to key educational resources.

Under Armour will donate a percentage of the proceeds from every “Power in Pink” item purchased in-store or online to a number of organizations dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception five years ago, Under Armour’s donation amount has more than doubled each year through the continued growth in popularity of the “Power in Pink” apparel and accessories.

Read the full press release.

Thanks a lot, Allison! Glad to be of help…

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Under Armour Announces Search for Breast Cancer Survivors to Become the New Face of the “Power in Pink” Campaign