Watching TV After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Does Not Increase Risk of Dying

Watching too much TV following a breast cancer diagnosis recently came under fire. According to a recent online article spending too much time watching television after breast cancer diagnosis is not associated two death in breast cancer survivors. It seems as though after accounting for reports of physical inactivity after breast cancer diagnosis, sedentary behavior was not a standalone risk factor for death. The discovery by Stephanie George, from the National Cancer Institute, and her colleagues are published in the Springer Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Conversely, researchers show over time that participating in regular, moderate to vigorous physical activity following breast cancer diagnosis could reduce the risk of death. This is led some to believe that sedentary time could have negative health consequences. George’s team study is one of the first to actually study the association between sedentary time and death as it relates to breast cancer survivors in an effort to create lifestyle recommendations for the expanding and aging population. 18 months after diagnosis 687 women diagnosed with breast cancer dissipated in a health, eating, and lifestyle study. Women were questioned about their amount of time spent watching TV, as well as the type, duration, and frequency of activities that they performed in the past year. Then they were followed for additional seven years. During this time researchers noted 89 deaths. Generally, women who watched the most television were older, more overweight, and therefore less active than those who watched the least amount of television. Once self-reported physical activity levels were analyzed authors concluded the relationship between television watching and death was weakened and not significant at all. Dr. Seify reiterates the importance to patients to consider breast reconstruction immediately following a breast cancer diagnosis. Undoubtedly patients are afraid and overwhelmed with their new breast cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction should be considered as part of the treatment plan until patients have definitively ruled out as an option. Dr. Seify works with not only the treating physician, but also the general surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and any other medical professionals involved in the treatment when for his patients. For many patients there are more options for breast cancer reconstruction when the decision to pursue breast reconstruction options is made in conjunction with breast cancer treatment decisions.