Early diagnosis of breast cancer may save women's lives, but the idea of eating foods that will prevent cancer of the breast from ever occurring holds even more promise. Every day scientists work to find a cure for cancer. They create stronger medicines and refine radiation therapy. These help to keep cancer from spreading. Perhaps another way to attack cancer is from the inside out. If there's truth to the motto, "You are what you eat," research stands to gain from a look at the diet.
Prevalence
Breast cancer, the second most common cancer among women, takes thousands of lives each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. The death toll from breast cancer in that same year was 40,820. Although the mammogram and breast self-exam greatly improve chances of early detection, prevention offers better odds.
Whole Grains
Whole grains consist of the germ, endosperm and the bran of the grain. The germ contains the sprout and the bran contains the fiber. Refined grains consist of only the endosperm portion, used to create white flour, most processed foods such as cereals, cookies, cakes, pies, pastas and white bread. By contrast, whole grain bread, pasta, oatmeal, bran cereals and flour result from the use of all three parts of the grain.
Mechanism
Whole grains can protect against stomach and colon cancer as well as hormone-dependent cancers including breast and prostate. Evidence shows that they do this by way of four mechanisms. According to Cornell University, the cancer protection of whole grains comes from their richness in antioxidants and plant estrogens and their ability to mediate glucose response and create short chain fatty acids that lower the pH of the colon. The last two involve making the body less acidic. Cancer needs an acidic environment to flourish.
Human Studies
The Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors program at Cornell University report that eating whole grains may provide a slight reduction in breast cancer risk. This statement is based on numerous studies on whole grains and breast cancer to date. The majority of studies showed a small decrease in breast cancer however several studies showed no correlation between eating whole grains and breast cancer. No studies have linked whole grain consumption with an increase in cancer of the breast. The research that found a positive link, associates the decrease in incidence with consuming a combination of fiber from whole grains with the fiber from fruits. Another study found eating whole grains increased the survival time of women with breast cancer, especially postmenopausal women.
Animal Studies
Numerous studies done on animals, mice and rats in particular, had favorable results. In one study, mammary tumors decreased 27 percent. The animals fed diets that combined high soluble and insoluble fibers. Fiber has the capability of preventing tumor formation in humans making it a positive step for women.
Recommendations
Regardless of whether or not eating whole grains prevents cancer, you should integrate them into your diet because of their overall nutritive value. Eat whole wheat or whole grain bread, pasta, cereal and flour. Switch to brown rice. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and beans. Their vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants will strengthen your immune system, your defense against cancer and other illnesses. Even with the varying study results, the fact remains that eating whole grains can slightly lower your chance of breast cancer. The indications point in your favor.
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