Breast cancer occurs in many stages, starting at initiation of cancerous cells and progressing. Nutrition plays a part at each stage, but has shown to have the most influence in prevention. The goals of nutrition at each stage are to have a diet that reaches all nutritional needs. Nutritional effects at each stage differ among individuals. A doctor or dietitian will be able to calculate needs based on an individual's body and condition.
Keep a Healthy Weight
According to the American Institute for Cancer research, obesity increases the risk of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight by restricting calories will help to decrease breast cancer risk and decrease chance of breast cancer re-occurrence if in remission. Consciously avoiding over-consumption of calories may decrease obesity and the chances of getting breast cancer.
Consume Adequate Calories
Dietary needs change after a breast cancer diagnosis; calorie needs may increase, decrease or remain the same. It is important to know calorie needs in order to consume the right amounts of food and maintain a healthy weight. Unintentional weight loss after diagnosis decreases chances of successful recovery.
Don't Eat Grilled Foods, Red Meat or Processed Meat
Dietary carcinogens are chemicals in food that cause production of cancerous cells. One dietary carcinogen is called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs. PAHs form on foods that have been grilled and exposed to smoke. Heavily marinating meats and cooking them on the side of the grill with less smoke decreases formation of PAHs.
Enhancers of dietary carcinogens are found in the fat of red meat and nitrates in processed meat. These foods cause the body's cells to produce free radicals, which may multiply into cancer.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Antioxidants are found in great amounts in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants in the diet inhibit carcinogens and help to decrease the chance of breast cancer. If choosing to consume dietary carcinogens, it may be helpful to simultaneously eat a food high in antioxidants. This decreases the risk of breast cancer, as well as helps to form good dietary habits.
Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. High fiber diets have been linked to preventing breast cancer.
Consider a Multivitamin
Meeting daily vitamin and mineral needs is necessary in breast cancer prevention and allows cancer treatment methods to provide the maximum benefit. Consider taking a daily multivitamin with minerals.
References
- American Institute for Cancer research
- Krause's Food and Nutrition Therapy; L. Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2008
- Understanding Nutrition Tenth Edition; Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2005.
