Eating a nutritious diet comprising more of vegetables and whole grains can reduce the risks of developing of breast cancer in women. A balanced diet and limited or no alcohol consumption can bring down the rising incidence of breast cancer among women, pushing cervical cancer to the second spot.
One in 22 women, it is reported, is likely to suffer from breast cancer during her lifetime in India compared to one in eight women in the United States of America. Risks as well as effects of cancer can be lowered down with and the quality of life too may be improved with proper nutrition.
A study conducted by Nourissat and team explained the connection between nutritional status and the quality of life of a person suffering from cancer. The researchers found a notable reduction in the mean global quality of the score in patients who had lost more than 10 percent of body weight since the onset of cancer compared to people with cancers without sever weight loss.
People with cancer, who have not lost significant weight, are found to be able to tolerate the side effects of cancer therapies and treatments including nausea, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue. Adequate nutrition can help in increasing the power to adjust and tolerate the cancer treatment effects.
A health or healthy diet for a cancer patient would include fruits and vegetables in adequate amounts, fibers like whole grains, beans and legumes, healthy and low fats, plenty of fluids and be more physically active to maintain a healthy weight and body.
In order to investigate the association with the diet and its effects on breast cancer, the researchers, Dr Sarah Brennan and her colleagues of Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, studied the results of 18 studies conducted over more than 400,000 American women.
Each of these studies aimed to evaluate the breast cancer risks with each diet pattern: an unhealthy diet with more red meat and refined grains, a healthy diet with more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and depending on the alcohol consumption levels. A holistic view of food intake helps in understanding the diet rather than looking at particular nutrients. The researchers explained this in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The researchers found that the risk of breast cancer was lowered by 11 percent in women who were in the highest versus lowest categories of the healthy diet, while those who had more wine, beer and spirits were found to be at 21 percent higher risk. Interestingly, no overall differences were noticed in women between high and low categories of unhealthy diet.
The link between alcohol and breast cancer was supported by the fact that estrogen levels are higher in postmenopausal women who drink alcohol and higher exposure to estrogen has been linked to breast cancer.
Consultation with professional dieticians can help in planning a proper diet for a breast cancer patient. He or she will ensure to include all the vital nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
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