Over the course of a lifetime, about one in eight women will develop breast cancer, according to the information website BreastCancer.org. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer that affects American women, and accounts for over a quarter of cancer diagnoses in women. There is a correlation between breast cancer and diet patterns. In general, the healthier your diet, the less your risk will be for developing breast cancer.
High-Fat Diets
Eating a diet high in fat may substantially raise your risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Having a high level of body fat also may contribute to your susceptibility toward developing the disease. Women who keep their fat intake at about 20 percent of their daily calories may have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer than those whose fat intake comprises 40 percent of their daily calories.
Diet After Breast Cancer
Breastcancer.org advocates sticking to a healthy diet based on plant foods to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer and improve your chance of survival after breast cancer. A study performed in 2007 by Dr. John P. Pierce of the University of California in San Diego, however, showed that adhering to such a diet did not improve the lifespan nor the chance of cancer relapse. Since the women in the study self-reported their dietary habits, it is possible that some of the reports were inaccurate, rendering the study invalid.
Recommended Diet
The American Cancer Society stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing cancer, including breast cancer. Eat five or more servings per day of fruits and vegetables, and include them with every meal and snack. Choose less-processed produce that has not been cooked with fat, salt or sugar whenever possible. Eat whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates or those containing large amounts of sugar and fat, such as pastries and sweetened cereals. Eat less red meat and meats that have been processed, and choose lean protein sources, such as fish, poultry and legumes.
Other Tips
There is a correlation between drinking alcoholic beverages and breast cancer, so limit your alcohol intake to one serving per day. Strive to avoid weight gain, especially after menopause, when your risk of breast cancer rises. Exercise for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Since breastfeeding may prevent breast cancer, breastfeed your children for as long as mutually desired. If you are going through menopause, ask your doctor about natural remedies for symptom-relief and avoid using hormone replacement therapy on a long-term basis. Check your breasts for lumps and changes each month, and if you notice any, contact your health care provider promptly.
References
- BreastCancer.org; U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics; April 19, 2011
- BreastCancer.org; Diet Does Not Improve Breast Cancer Survival; July 17, 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk; Dec. 11, 2010
- BreastCancer.org; High-Fat Diet May Increase Breast Cancer Risk; March 20, 2007
- American Cancer Society; Eat a Healthy Diet, With an Emphasis on Plant Sources; March 19, 2008
