October was breast cancer awareness month and the long asked question – does diet really influence the risk of breast cancer?, is finally being answered.
Sally Scroggs and Clare McKinley from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center explained that cancer risk could be decreased by up to 38% through lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and eating healthy. They add that only 10% or lesser cases of breast cancer are genetic.
A plant based diet can really help reduce the risk add experts. American Institute for cancer research says there is no particular food that can protect against cancer but a combination of foods in a predominantly plant based diet may help. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways to boost individual anticancer effects.
Top choices of beneficial foods include beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels, sprouts etc., dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, flaxseeds, garlic, grapes, green tea, soy, tomatoes and whole grains.
Being overweight raises the risk of post menopausal cancer. An adult weight gain of 22 to 44 pounds raises the risk by 50% and a gain over 45 pounds raises the risk by 87%. Excess belly fat is also dangerous say experts.
Healthy lifestyle during cancer chemotherapy is also important for better response and longer survival say experts.
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