𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 & 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬

Written by Prosper Williams – O’Leaf Africa, June 13, 2022, NutriHealth Blog

• Introduction
• Foods to consume
• Foods to trash
• Tips on Lifestyle
• Summary
• Recommendations

Introduction

Breast Cancer is the most common malignant disorder affecting women and the leading cause of death among them. Breast cancer was also the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in 2020, with 685,000 deaths attributed to it (WHO, 2021). In Nigeria, breast cancer cases used to be historically low but are now increasing as a result of urbanisation and lifestyle changes. It has become the leading cause of cancer deaths currently, representing about 23% of all cancer cases and approximately 18% percent of deaths are attributed to it in the country.

Factors that make way for Breast Cancer

1. Lifestyle - makes way for cancer growth in the breast. These include: alcohol, smoking, estrogen exposure, overweight & obesity, lack of physical exercise, and bad dietary patterns — including Western diets high in processed foods — to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

2. DNA damage and genetic mutations may cause this disease. Inheriting certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can likewise increase your risk, as can having obesity. 

Keep in mind that many factors are associated with breast cancer development, but you still need regular breast cancer screenings like mammograms and manual checks. After all, early detection and diagnosis significantly increase survival rates. 

However, improving your diet improves your overall health and reduce your cancer risk in general.

Moreover, here are the specific foods can protect you against this breast cancer as well as a few that can increase your risk of the disease:

Foods that lower breast cancer risk 

1. Leafy green vegetables

Kale, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, and chard are just a few of the leafy green vegetables that have anticancer properties.

Leafy green vegetables contain carotenoid antioxidants, including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, higher blood levels of which are associated with reduced breast cancer risk.

An analysis of 8 studies in over 7,000 people found that women with higher levels of carotenoids had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer, compared with women with lower levels.

Likewise, a followup study in over 32,000 women linked higher blood levels of total carotenoids to an 18–28% reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as a reduced risk of recurrence and death in those who already had breast cancer.

What’s more, research reveals that a high intake of folate, a B vitamin concentrated in green leafy vegetables, protects against breast cancer.

2. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are teeming with compounds that may protect against breast cancer, including folate, vitamin C, and carotenoids like beta cryptoxanthin and beta carotene, plus flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin, hesperetin, and naringenin.

These nutrients provide antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.

In fact, research ties citrus fruit to a reduced risk of many cancers, including breast cancer. A review of 6 studies in over 8,000 people linked high citrus intake to a 10% reduction in breast cancer risk.

Citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and tangerines.

3. Fatty fish

Fatty fish, including salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are known for their impressive health benefits. Their omega-3 fats, selenium, and antioxidants like canthaxanthin may offer cancer-protective effects. 

Some studies show that eating fatty fish may specifically reduce your risk of breast cancer.

A large analysis of 26 studies in 883,000 people found that those with the highest intake of seafood sources of omega-3s had up to a 14% reduced risk of breast cancer, compared with those who ate the lowest amount.

Balancing your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio by eating more fatty fish and less refined oils and processed foods may help reduce your breast cancer risk as well (19Trusted Source).

4. Berries

Regularly enjoying berries help lower your risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.

Berries’ antioxidants, including flavonoids and anthocyanins, have been shown to protect against cellular damage, as well as the development and spread of cancer cells.

Notably, a study in 75,929 women linked higher berry intake — and blueberries in particular — to a lower risk of estrogen receptor negative (ER−) breast cancer.

5. Fermented foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut contain probiotics and other nutrients that may safeguard against breast cancer.

A review of 27 studies linked fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, to a reduced risk of breast cancer in both Western and Asian populations.

Animal research suggests that this protective effect is related to the immune-enhancing effects of certain probiotics.

6. Allium vegetables

Garlic, onions, and leeks are all allium vegetables that boast an array of nutrients, including organosulfur compounds, flavonoid antioxidants, and vitamin C. These may have powerful anticancer properties.

A study in 660 women in Nigeria tied high garlic and onion intake to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Likewise, a study in 285 women found that high garlic and leek intake may protect against breast cancer. However, the study noted a positive association between high consumption of cooked onions and breast cancer.

7. Peaches, apples, and pears

Fruits — specifically peaches, apples, and pears — have been shown to safeguard against breast cancer.

In a study in 75,929 women, those who consumed at least 2 servings of peaches per week had up to a 41% reduced risk of developing ER– breast cancer.

Interestingly, a test-tube study revealed that polyphenol antioxidants from peaches inhibited the growth and spread of a breast cancer cell line.

Furthermore, a study analyzing data from 272,098 women linked apple and pear intake to a lower risk of breast cancer.

8. Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli, may help lower your risk of breast cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate compounds, which your body can convert into molecules called isothiocyanates. These have significant anticancer potential.

Notably, a study in 1,493 women linked higher total cruciferous vegetable intake with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

9. Beans

Beans are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, their high fiber contentmay protect against breast cancer.

A study in 2,571 women found that high bean intake reduced breast cancer risk by up to 20%, compared with low bean intake.

Additionally, in a study in 1,260 Nigerian women, those with the highest intake of beans had up to a 28% reduced risk of breast cancer, compared with those with the lowest intake.

10. Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices like parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, turmeric, curry, and ginger contain plant compounds that may help protect against breast cancer. These include vitamins, fatty acids, and polyphenol antioxidants.

For example, oregano boasts the antioxidants carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which test-tube studies have found to exhibit significant anticancer effects against aggressive breast cancer cell lines.

Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, has also demonstrated significant anticancer properties, as has apigenin, a flavonoid concentrated in parsley. 

As many other herbs and spices have powerful anticancer effects as well, it’s a good idea to include a wide variety in your diet.

Summary

Foods that help lower your risk of breast cancer include fatty fish, numerous veggies, beans, fermented foods, many herbs and spices, and fruits like berries, peaches, apples, pears, and citrus.

Foods and beverages to Trash

These foods increase your risk of breast cancer:

1. Alcohol. 

Alcohol use, especially heavy drinking, may significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. 

2. Fast food. 

Eating fast food regularly is associated with many downsides, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and breast cancer. 

3. Fried foods. 

Research shows that a diet high in fried foods may significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. Indeed, in a study in 620 Iranian women, fried food intake was the largest risk factor for breast cancer development.

4. Processed meats. 

Processed meats like bacon and sausage may raise your risk of breast cancer. One analysis of 15 studies linked high processed meat intake to a 9% greater breast cancer risk.

5. Foods or Beverages with Added sugar. 

A foods or beverages high in added sugar significantly raise your risk of breast cancer by increasing inflammation and the expression of certain enzymes related to cancer growth and spread. 

6. Refined carbs. 

Diets high in refined carbs, including the typical Western diet, may increase breast cancer risk. Try replacing refined carbs like white bread and sugary baked goods with whole grain products and nutrient-dense veggies.

Summary

To lower your risk of breast cancer, steer clear of refined carbs, added sugar, alcohol, fried foods, processed meats, and fast food.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that your food choices can help prevent or cause chronic diseases, including breast cancer. However, many other lifestyle choices may affect your cancer risk as well.

For example, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough rest, and not smoking offer significant protection against breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight may also help reduce your risk.

Furthermore, certain skin care products increase breast cancer risk. For example, antiperspirant use is tied to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Plus, exposure to pesticides, as well as compounds known as endocrine disruptors found in materials like plastic, raises breast cancer risk. 

Thus, opting for natural skin care, gardening, and cleaning products may decrease your breast cancer risk.

Keep in mind that regular medical appointments and breast cancer screenings are critical for early detection and diagnosis. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your breast cancer risk or the screening process.

Summary 

Getting optimal sleep, refraining from smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body weight may all lower your breast cancer risk. Keep in mind that breast cancer screening is vital for women’s health.

Recommendations

• Follow a nutritious meal rich in foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, citrus fruits, beans, berries, and certain herbs and spices. These help reduce breast cancer risk.
• Cut out sugary beverages, processed meats, fried food, and alcohol completely.
• Overall, cancer risk is complex but certainly influenced by your diet. Remember to talk to an O'Leaf Nutritionist about your diet needs today.

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