Breast Cancer is a cancer that begins within the tissues of the breast. It has been found to be the leading cause of death among women between the ages of 40-55. Due to increasing detection and treatment measures, breast cancer mortality has decreased within the past few years. Some scientist and researchers have begun to understand that it is not the cancer itself that kills, but the harsh treatments like chemotherapy, which have detrimental effects on the body. However, alternative medicine, in combination with chemotherapy treatments may assist the process of cancer prevention. For instance, researchers have found that the regular intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and inhibit the growth of tumors by cutting off their blood supply.
Overwhelming scientific research and study has come to a subtle conclusion that diets rich in fruit and vegetables are associated with different antioxidant components. Though these discoveries have not yet been scientifically proven, years of extensive research has shown that a combination of dietary habits, lifestyle and physical activity may be preventative measures against breast cancer.
There are two types of Breast Cancer: Ductal Carcinoma, which begins in the ducts that move milk from the breast to the nipple and Lobular carcinoma, which starts in the lobules that produce milk. In rare cases, breast cancer may start in other areas of the breast. In general, this disease may be invasive or non-invasive meaning that it may or may not spread from the milk duct or lobule to other areas in the breast. Certain types of breast cancer are sensitive to estrogen, a hormone that may cause breast tumors to grow. These cancers have estrogen receptors that surface to the cells, unlike other cancers that are not estrogen sensitive.
Regardless of the type of cancer, there are foods out there that may reduce your chances of getting Breast Cancer. How that’s possible, you ask? The way you eat effects the way your body uses energy and for what. Fruit, for instance is very good for your health. Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have come up with a list of growing evidence that fruits really help. With Cancer-fighting properties, it may prove to have more benefits than other foods. According to the USDA, a healthy diet that includes a rich selection of fruits and vegetables can help ward of disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones and other types of cancer. Fruits offer us an advantage, because they offer a vast amount of properties that are needed in our diet. They contain dietary fiber, phenols, anti-oxidants, folic acid and vitamin C. They are also low in fat and calories, so you don’t have to worry about it affecting your weight as much.
Dietary fiber may lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease while keeping the stomach healthy. Phenols are aromatic compounds that occur in the essential oils of fruits that have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Antioxidants can help promote good health for the heart brain and eyes by slowing the natural aging process. Folic acid removes waste products from tissues that are necessary. Potassium helps keep the muscles healthy by keeping good fluid and electrolyte levels.
Scientists at the University of California examined the relationship between plasma carotenoid concentration and fruit and vegetable intake. After a 5 year follow-up, women with the highest plasma carotenoid concentrations had a 40% reduced risk for breast cancer recurrence. Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments found in certain plants and they provide lipids that must become bioactive in the body. Nearly all fruits have anti-cancer activity because they regulate the cell cycle in the body. A combination of fruits into your diet may inhibit the growth of tumors and decrease your odds for the disease.
Sources:
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Dec. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.
“National Cancer Institute.” Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®) -.Web. 26 Oct. 2012.
