The contribution of healthy eating practices towards the survival of breast cancer patient

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine and expound the contribution of healthy eating practices towards the health status of breast cancer patients. The research design adopted for the study was the cross sectional survey and the purposive and convenience sampling methods were adopted to derive a sample size of ninety (90) breast cancer patients, who visit the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment. A structured questionnaire and an interview guide was employed to gather the relevant data for the study. The SPSS Version 21 was used to analyse the data collected. Results of the study revealed that the level of knowledge of the breast cancer patients on both nutrition and breast cancer was low. Moreover, the results of the study revealed that certain factors especially the price of the food influenced food choice and so there was not very significant change in the participants eating habits. Additionally, the findings of the study revealed that foods such as cereals, fruits, low-fat foods, sugar-free fluids/drinks and herbal tea, less salty and spicy foods, vegetables and high fibre content foods helped in the management of breast cancer. Physical activity was also found to be associated with less fatigue, improved energy level, improved appetite for food, healthy weight and sound sleep among the breast cancer patients. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended among other things that the Ministry of Health (MOH) should collaborate with the various cancer treatment centres in Ghana as well as other stakeholders in the health sector, and educate breast cancer patients on nutrition and its benefit to Breast Cancer. This, together with the knowledge on nutrition, will guide women, particularly breast cancer patients in making healthy food choices at all times and also reduce complications of other chronic disease associated with the disease.