My intention with this comment is not to offend anyone or add any fuel to the fire. I too find it upsetting when words cause hurt to others.
I think it is fair to say that breast cancer is not a single disease with a single cause. I dare say that if it was they would have found a cure by now. I think that my particular breast cancer probably had a number of factors adding together resulting in an invasive malignancy that had spread extensively in my lymph system.
I personally live with a high risk of recurrence. It gives me HOPE to think that maybe, for me, there are things I can do to give myself a slightly better chance of staying cancer free. At the very least, making some healthy changes has given me a better quality of life in the last 5 years. Eating a healthier diet and excerising more consistently and at a higher level than before bc helps me to mentally and emotionally cope with the risk of recurrence.
I know that it does not make a difference for some people and that I may very well end up being one of those. I have someone close to me that is living with metastatic breast cancer and I do not for one moment believe that it was a lack of healthy lifestyle that resulted in her cancer returning after 13 years. But I have another person in my life who has now been breast cancer free for 25 years. She made a lot of healthy changes to her lifestyle (particularly exercise wise) and MAYBE that made a difference for her particular situation.
I think the word SOMETIMES is a very important one in this disease. No ONE experience is the same for all. Just as some people will unfortunately have a recurrence due to factors currently unknown and completely beyond their control, others will not. Could it be due to changes such as diet and exercise? Research does support that this MAY be the case for SOME people.
I know that I did not lead as healthier lifestyle before bc as I have since. It gives me HOPE to believe that, for me, it might be enough to make a difference. My oncologist encourages me to continue with the changes I have made and I like to encourage others to do the same. My intention is a positive one.
