Which Foods Lower Your Risk or Prevent Breast Cancer?
- M.R. Grigsby
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Nancy, KY May 6, 2025, 11:00 pm EST
By Michael R. Grigsby
Somerset, Kentucky---Eating right to prevent disease is a tricky process, no more so than in dealing with cancer prevention.
You can lower your risk of breast cancer by eating certain fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, fermented foods, legumes, whole grains, walnuts, and herbs and spices. Avoid processed meats, fried foods, fast food, alcohol, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
Breast cancer may result from genetic mutations and DNA damage. Obesity and inheriting mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can further increase your risk. Reliable source.
Lifestyle is also very important. A higher risk of breast cancer has been linked in studies to smoking, hormone exposure, heavy drinking, and specific dietary patterns, such as Western diets heavy in processed foods.
Notably, research links a lower risk of breast cancer to other eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet. Furthermore, some meals may even offer protection from this illness.
These 12 foods, along with several to avoid, may help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Foods that may reduce the risk of breast cancer
Remember that the development of breast cancer is linked to numerous factors. Although eating better can help you feel better overall and lower your risk of developing cancer, it's just one aspect of the problem.
You still require routine breast cancer tests, such as mammograms and physical exams, even if you eat a diet high in nutrients. After all, survival rates are considerably raised by early diagnosis and identification. Consult a medical expert for guidance on breast cancer screenings.
However, there is evidence that some meals may reduce your risk.
Foods and beverages to limit or avoid
Some foods may lower your risk of breast cancer, while others may raise it. Therefore, it's advisable to cut back on or stay away from the following foods and drinks:
1. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol, especially excessively, can raise your risk of developing breast cancer.
2. Fast food: Frequent consumption of fast food raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and breast cancer, among other adverse effects.
3. Fried foods: Studies reveal that eating a lot of fried food can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Eating fried food was the most significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer in a research study that included 620 Iranian women under the age of fifty.
4. Processed meats: Consuming processed meats, such as sausage and bacon, may increase your chance of developing breast cancer. A 2018 analysis of the literature (Trusted Source) found that eating a lot of processed beef increased the risk of breast cancer by 9%.
5. Added sugar: By elevating inflammation and the expression of specific enzymes linked to the development and spread of cancer, a diet heavy in added sugar may considerably increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
6. Refined carbohydrates: The standard Western diet and other diets heavy in refined carbohydrates may raise the risk of breast cancer. Try substituting healthy grain items and nutrient-dense vegetables for processed carbohydrates like white bread and sweet baked pastries.
Soy and breast cancer
A lot of people are also curious about how soy products, such as edamame, tofu, and soy milk, may impact their risk of breast cancer. There is conflicting research.
Consuming large quantities of isoflavones, a substance included in soy, may raise the risk of developing breast cancer, according to a study. Isoflavones mimic the effects of estrogen.
Nevertheless, human research has shown that consuming more soy is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Furthermore, eating soy may assist those with breast cancer in avoiding recurrence and improving their prognosis.
The final result
Overall, the risk of cancer is complicated, but nutrition undoubtedly plays a role.
A healthy diet that includes foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and fatty fish may help lower the risk of breast cancer. Limiting or avoiding things like alcohol, highly processed meats, and sugary foods and drinks could be just as crucial.
Remember that early identification and diagnosis of breast cancer depend on routine medical checkups and screenings. If you have any queries concerning the screening procedure or your risk of breast cancer, consult a healthcare provider.
References:
Abdulla, M., & Gruber, P. (2000). Role of diet modification in cancer prevention. Biofactors, 12(1‐4), 45-51.
Blomhoff, R., Carlsen, M. H., Andersen, L. F., & Jacobs Jr, D. R. (2006). Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. British Journal of Nutrition, 96(S2), S52-S60.
Jahanbani, R., Ghaffari, S. M., Salami, M., Vahdati, K., Sepehri, H., Sarvestani, N. N., Sheibani, N., & Moosavi-Movahedi, A. A. (2016). Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Protein Hydrolysates Using Different Proteases. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 71(4), 402–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0576-z
Wu, A. H., Ziegler, R. G., Horn-Ross, P. L., Nomura, A. M., West, D. W., Kolonel, L. N., ... & Pike, M. C. (1996). Tofu and risk of breast cancer in Asian-Americans. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention: a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, 5(11), 901-906.
This article was written by Michael R. Grigsby, one of the news editors for LCTI, LLC. Michael is passionate about the outdoors, photography, combat sports, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. He provides accurate and insightful news reports on a wide range of topics. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Comments can be posted here (requires account login) or by sending an email to LCTILLC@outlook.com
DISCLAIMER
This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is purely for educational and informational purposes. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult a physician or other healthcare professional.
LCTI, LLC is an American-based publishing company located in Southeastern KY. It is part of a group of authors opening up new publishing venues by producing titles for niche markets and bringing public domain titles back to life, covering various topics and interests.
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