Link between diet and breast cancer

Breast cancer is sometimes called the "rich women's disease" because only women who can afford to eat a diet high in red meat and dairy get breast cancer. It is the first time that researchers have discovered a link between the disease and eating too much fat. Researchers estimate that we may be able to prevent as many as 9 out of every 100 cancer cases (9%) by changing our diets. Smart nutrition and a diet that keeps you at a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. The role of specific dietary factors in breast cancer causation is not completely resolved. Effects of energy balance clearly account for an important part of international differences in breast cancer rates.
Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy lifestyle - maintaining a balanced diet and staying physically active. The following are steps you can take to lower your risk: Limit alcohol, don't smoke, control your weight, be physically active, and breast-feed, limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.
Experts claim the latest findings show that making simple dietary changes, such as drinking skimmed milk, could curb the rising tide of breast cancer. Eating a lot of red meat in early adult life may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Overall, we observed there was a higher risk of breast cancer among women who ate foods rich in animal fat such as red meat, cheese, ice cream and butter during their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are Nature's defenders. It may help to prevent breast cancer if you replace animal fats with polyunsaturated fats (in many vegetable oils and margarines) and monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil). Eat more isoflavones (found in soy, peas and beans) and lignans (found in vegetables, fruits, grains, tea and coffee). Eat more fibre from wheat bran, cereals, beans, fruit and vegetables, Make sure you have enough calcium in your diet - from milk and other dairy foods, green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach), soya beans, tofu, nuts, bread, and fish .The results suggest that women who chose healthier sources of protein such as chicken, nuts and lentils had a decreased risk of breast cancer.
There are no food or dietary supplements that will act as "magic bullets" to prevent breast cancer from returning. Some foods that fight with breast cancer are mashroom, broccoli, pomegranate, lentil and bean. Garlic seems to have an impact on cell cycling. That's the process by which a normal, healthy cell might become cancerous. An apple a day may keep breast cancer away - but there's a catch. Lab studies show that apple peel can actually fight the spread of cancer cells. Walnuts and fish oil contain many helpful nutrients and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body fight inflammation. Other great sources of omega-3 fatty acids include certain fish and fish oil and pumpkin seeds. Green tea and white tea both contain catechins, extracts that seem to show some benefits in breast cancer prevention. Eat mostly plant foods. Choose foods that are minimally processed.
Every patient should be scheduled to meet with a registered dietitian during treatment of breast cancer. During this visit, you are given a full assessment to identify daily goals for calories and protein. Your dietitian will monitor your nutrition status from the beginning to the end of your cancer treatment, making modifications as needed to minimise side effects and treatment interruptions before they arise.
Have your diet evaluated to ensure that you are getting sufficient of the protective nutrients to support your medical treatment for breast cancer. Your body will thank you! If you follow these guidelines, you will be eating a healthier diet. This helps you keep your weight within normal limits. You can reduce your risk of cancer by having a healthy lifestyle.
The good news is that after two decades of breast cancer being on the rise, numbers have been declining in recent years. Nutritional science offers one of the greatest hopes in the fight against breast cancer, and following this science is a critical, proactive role all women can take.   
One of the most powerful tools to prevent breast cancer is what you put in your body. As a dietician, I believe in having a game plan that's realistic and within reach. It's important to deliver protection in a smart way, while making sure that it fits into your busy lifestyle.

The writer is Nutritionist, BCA Dept, Labaid Cardiac Hospital. E-mail:
fahmida@labaidgroup.com