Breast Cancer and Nutrition
Breast Cancer and Nutrition
Cancer of the Mammary Glands, commonly known as Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women globally and its incidence is said to have doubled in last 2 decades. Changing lifestyles and dietary habits is rising across all socio-economic groups. Like in the case of other cancers, genetic predisposition and lifestyle have predominant roles in the spread of breast-cancer. The role of diet and lifestyle is pivotal and there is a scope to modify. Let’s try to understand some factors that are suspected of promoting breast cancer and suggestions for its prevention.
| Factor promoting | Advice for Prevention |
| High fat diet Alcohol Smoking High Estrogen levels Less exercise / activity Obesity Animal foods Processed foods | Selection of right quantity and quality of fats. Select whole grains Avoid or restrict alcohol Avoid Smoking Intake low estrogen forming foods Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily Keep weight in check. Low calorie with high dietary fiber diet. Consume more fruits and vegetables. Increase intake of Antioxidants. Try to intake more vegetables, beans, pulses/lentils and very little non-veg food which should be lean meat. Increase intake of cancer fighting phytonutrients |
Other guidance factors include:
- Avoid birth control pills, especially after the age around 35
- When with baby, do breast-feed to the extent possible.
- Avoid intake of post-menopausal hormones
- Maintain a healthy body weight with a BMI between 18.5 – 25
Overweight and obese women having BMI over 25 and waist over 35 inches have high level of circulating estrogen. The probability increases in case of pre and postmenopausal phase to cause proliferation of breast cancer cells. It induces mutation of gene and accelerates tumor cell proliferation leading to tumor progression.
Foods with low estrogen include cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, citrus fruits, flax seed (linseed), mushroom and soya products.
Though limited data is available on safe consumption amount and type of alcohol, it is recommended to be avoided.
Fruits and vegetables are sources of phyto-chemicals, anti-oxidants and anti-estrogen foods. Emphasis on 5 or more colors of vegetables and fruits is regarded as a healthy choice. Green, white, yellow / orange, red and purple need to be highlighted.
Fat intake has to be regulated. Unhealthy fats such solid or saturated fats, fried foods, processed foods such as bakery items, cheese, cream are high in saturated fats and such foods provide calorie as well as fat load. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) present in peanuts, linseed, olives and corn are good sources. Fried foods have high amount of oxidized fat content so curtail their regular consumption. To neutralize damaging effect supplementing diet with antioxidants like Vitamin A and E are beneficial.
Balanced diet consisting all food groups with low sugar and fat can be beneficial. Patient who have breast cancer undergo various medical treatments- such as surgery. Following surgical procedure, may be suggested to undergo Chemotherapy and Radiation. Such therapy do not demand major modification in diet. Neutropenic diet, antioxidant and protein enriched diet is favorable.