No certain foods have been proven to cause breast cancer. However, some foods have been identified that might increase the risk for breast cancer. These foods should be limited and instead, a healthy diet and lifestyle should be adopted to overall cut your risk of breast cancer and support health. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans for cancer prevention.
Meat
Meat consumption has been linked to breast cancer. Research has gone both ways in terms of being a cause, and researchers think this might be due to the lack of specificity in the type of meat causing cancer. A study reported in the April 2007 "British Journal of Cancer" investigated various types of meat to try to get a better idea. The study found women who consumed the most total meat, red and processed meat were at the highest risk for breast cancer compared to women who do not eat meat. Post-menopausal women were at greater risk if they also had high intakes of meat. Red meats to avoid include beef, pork, lamb and processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, ham, bacon and salami.
Alcohol
The American Cancer Society explains that alcohol consumption is linked to breast cancer, and the more consumed the greater the risk. How alcohol increases the risk is not well understood, but it may have to do with increasing hormone levels or the way it is metabolized. The ACS also explains that even a few drinks per week can increase the risk for breast cancer.
Fat
A low-fat diet may decrease the risk for breast cancer recurrence in women who have already been treated for breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Institute for Cancer Research encourages consumption of red meat be limited to less than 18 ounces per week to reduce cancer risk because of the high fat content. Red meats include beef, pork, lamb and processed meats. The other component to a low-fat diet is consuming more plant foods, which are filled with antioxidants and much healthier.
References
- American Cancer Society: Alcohol and Cancer
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Meat Consumption and Risk of Breast Cancer in the UK Women's Cohort Study; Taylor; et al.; 2007.
- National Cancer Institute: News: Reduced Levels of Fat in the Diet May Decrease the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence According to New Clinical Trial
- American Institute of Cancer Research: Expert Report: Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
