Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023: Know How Lifestyle And Dietary Choices Impact Breast Cancer

With early detection and advanced medical treatments having improved breast cancer outcomes, we must not ignore the critical role that lifestyle and diet play in preventing and managing this condition

Know How Dietary Choices Impact Breast Cancer

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness about this prevalent disease that affects millions of women worldwide. While early detection and advanced medical treatments have made significant strides in improving breast cancer outcomes, we must not overlook the critical role that lifestyle and diet play in preventing and managing this condition.

Lifestyle Changes That Help In Management Of Breast Cancer:

In this regard, Dr Monika Pansari, who is the HOD & Sr Consultant Surgical Oncology (Breast & Gynaec Oncologist), at Gleneagles Hospitals Kengeri, Bengaluru, listed the following:

1. The Power of Prevention:

Breast cancer is not solely determined by genetics; lifestyle factors also play a pivotal role. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle can substantially reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption are all vital components of breast cancer prevention. Even small changes in these areas can have a significant impact on reducing risk.

2. Physical Activity Matters:

Engaging in regular physical activity is a powerful way to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing are excellent choices. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle.

For example, taking a 30-minute brisk walk every day can help improve cardiovascular health and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. 

3. Diet Matters:

Your diet can be your ally in the fight against breast cancer. Opting for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that bolster your immune system and help your body resist cancerous changes. Additionally, certain foods, such as broccoli, berries, and salmon, are packed with cancer-fighting compounds that can provide extra protection.

On the flip side, a diet high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive red meat has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting these items in your diet can be a proactive step in minimizing risk.

4. The Role of Hormones:

Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer is the most common type. Hormone levels can be influenced by factors like body weight and diet. Excess body fat can lead to increased estrogen production, which may fuel hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the risk of hormone-driven breast cancers.

Food Items To Avoid While Suffering From Breast Cancer:

One of the most common cancer prevalent in the world amongst women is breast cancer. For various stages of cancer treatment and even after, nutrition has a key role to play. You might be aware in general of the foods that tend to be avoided while having breast cancer such as packaged and processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods etc.

In this regard, Dietician Garima Goyal listed the food items you should stay away from if having breast cancer -

1. Alcohol - Alcoholic beverage of any kind - beer, wine, vodka etc. is a big no if you are suffering from breast cancer as the alcohol can interfere with the chemotherapy drugs. Though more research is needed, but some research has suggested that alcohol consumption while having breast cancer can trigger the recurrence of cancer and even cause mortality too. Alcohol is believed to increase estrogen levels and cause DNA damage.

2. Sushi - If you are a sushi lover, then this is especially for you. It needs to be kept in mind that sushi is made from raw ingredients and consuming raw ingredients is a big no in cancer. This is because cancer patients are at a higher risk of developing infections and so raw foods should not be consumed. Any food that is consumed should be cooked at an ambient temperature to prevent its microbial spoilage. 

3. Red meat - Some researches have found a link between red meat and an increased risk of breast cancer, especially if a person cooks the meat at high temperatures, which can trigger the release of toxins. In addition, processed meats and cold cuts tend to be high in fat, salt, and preservatives. Red meat contains compounds that can promote inflammation, and form cancerous cells. Hence, it is advisable for individuals with cancer to avoid red meat and opt for other plant-based protein sources, such as legumes, and nuts. These may increase rather than reduce the risk of breast cancer. Overall, minimizing the processing of a food makes it more healthful.

4. Cola drinks or sugary foods - Research has shown a direct association between cola drink and sugary food consumption and breast cancer risk. Moreover, high intake of sugar increases the chances of cancer recurrence and even metastasis as sugar acts as a food for cancer cells. A lot of sugar on a regular basis can lead to obesity and other conditions that make cancer more likely. So stay away from sugar sweetened beverages, ice creams, desserts, cakes, cookies, ladoos etc.

5. Fresh fruit juice - Just like sushi, it stays best to stay away from fresh fruit juice as firstly, the juicer machine can be a source of infection and unpasteurised juice can also be contaminated with microbes.

6. Refined wheat flour or maida -  refined wheat flour is advised not to consume as ultra processed foods should not be consumed as they increase the risk of cancer and can even exacerbate cancer.

7. Raw foods - Raw foods of any kind may it be raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurised milk, unpasteurised fresh fruit juice, raw meat or raw eggs is not advisable to patients suffering from breast cancer. As they can be contaminated and thus cause various types of infections in the body. Well cooked food and pasteurised beverages such as milk and juice is advisable. 

Breast Cancer & Nutrition – Myths & Facts:

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the context of breast cancer, impacting both prevention and the management of this prevalent disease. However, amidst the wealth of information available, several myths and misconceptions about breast cancer nutrition have emerged. In this exploration, Garima Dev Verman, who is a Certified Nutritionist and Medical Content Analyst at The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a Health Literacy Platform has debunkd these myths while shedding light on the crucial role of nutrition in the journey to combat breast cancer effectively.         

Myth 1: I have to cut out all sugar from my diet because sugar feeds cancer cells.

Fact: Cutting out all sugar from your diet isn't an effective way to treat or prevent cancer. While cancer cells use sugar, it's a misunderstanding to believe that eliminating sugar will starve cancer cells without harming healthy cells. A balanced diet is important for overall health.

Myth 2: Dairy foods cause breast cancer because of added hormones.

Fact: No conclusive evidence suggests that dairy foods, including those with added hormones, directly cause breast cancer. Breast cancer is influenced by multiple factors, and a balanced diet with dairy can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 3: Organic produce is healthier and offers more protection against breast cancer recurrence.

Fact: While organic produce may reduce pesticide exposure, there's limited evidence that it's significantly healthier or offers greater protection against cancer recurrence than conventionally grown produce. Focus on a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables for overall health.

Myth 4: Special diets cure breast cancer.

Fact: There's no special diet that can cure cancer on its own. Cancer is a complex disease, and while a healthy diet is important for overall well-being, it should complement, not replace, evidence-based medical treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Myth 5: Breast cancer survivours should avoid soy.

Fact: Moderate soy consumption is generally safe for breast cancer survivors. Research suggests soy may have protective effects. Soy foods like tofu and edamame contain plant compounds called phytoestrogens, which are weaker than the body's estrogen and may even reduce breast cancer recurrence risk. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations.

Myth 6: Taking a multivitamin lowers my breast cancer risk

Fact: Multivitamins alone don't significantly lower cancer risk. While some studies show mixed results, the best way to reduce cancer risk is a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Excessive use of supplements may even be harmful. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]