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Though the leading cause of death in female is breast cancer, but as per the reports, the death rate has been decreased in recent years. The actual cause of this disease is yet not fully understood, but early diagnosis and improved treatment had reduced its risk many fold. 

People diagnosed with this cancer, are advice for many oral therapies or medications like aromatase inhibitor, tamoxifen etc. While based on severity, many women are also advised for ovaries, fallopian tubes and breast removal. 

Risk factors

The exact causes of breast cancer are still unclear. The common risk factors for breast cancer include gender, age, medical history, family history, genetics, weight, alcohol, radiation, high breast tissue density etc. However, todays lifestyle or certain diet has also increased the risk factor.  

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, a person should have regular mammograms after the age of 40 and should bring some modifications in their diet and lifestyle. Some of the food intake may reduce the risk of the disease but the link between them are unclear and researchers continue their investigation on the role of specific diets and foods that help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Foods that may reduce the risk of Breast Cancer

Although the link between diet and breast cancer is unclear, but as per the recommendation, foods and diets may help reduce the risk of breast cancer:

Mediterranean Diet- This diet include the intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, beans, legumes, cereals and unsaturated fats like olive oil. It also includes low intake of meat and dairy foods. 

According to the research, Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of death from all causes including breast cancer. It also help to decrease overweight and obesity, which are potential risk factors for breast cancer. It was also found in clinical trial 2015, that people consuming a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively reduced risk of malignant breast cancer than people consuming a control diet.

Plant based foods- Plant food like cauliflower, broccoli, leafy green vegetables are considered to be top anti-cancer foods. Few evidence suggests that eating non-starchy vegetables and vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids, may also reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Fiber-rich diet- High fiber food includes almond butter, multigrain pasta, fruits like apple, beans, avocado, strawberries and ground flax seeds etc. According to the previous study, high fiber diet intake in young women, may reduce the risk of breast cancer. A recent review of the Nurses Health study, also showed connection between high fiber intake and reduced breast cancer risk in women. 

Calcium-rich diets- According to the research, dairy products are rich source of calcium, vitamin D, and linoleic acids, which may protect against the development of breast cancer. 

Foods to Avoid- Few foods have specific links with breast cancer. To achieve an overall healthy eating pattern, the American Cancer Society recommends limiting or excluding the following foods from a person’s diet:

Modification in Lifestyle

• Lifestyle changes that may reduce a person’s risk of breast cancer include:
• Maintaining a healthy body weight throughout life reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• Regular Physical activity keeps a person fit and active to protect against breast cancer.
• Obesity, over weight or weight gain increases the risk of breast cancer. One should avoid sitting or lying down for a long periods. 
• Breastfeeding is important after childbirth, as there is strong evidence that suggest that breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer. Longer breastfeeding gives longer protection against breast cancer. 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT,  specifically estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) for menopause symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Before taking HRT, one should discuss to the doctor. Generally, a person should not take HRT after breast cancer because it could increase the risk of recurrent breast cancer.

Summary

Breast cancer are found to be leading cause of death among women’s. Many risk factors are associated with breast cancer, but modification in diet and lifestyle may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Healthy eating and maintaining moderate weight throughout life, may help reduce breast cancer risk.