Fat May Fuel Breast Cancer Concerns
Breast cancer is a potentially devastating disease that demands early detection and treatment
. If sufferers act fast enough, mortality can be avoided. The problem with this condition, however, is that once gone, it can sometimes return. Dietary changes during and after treatment can reduce the chances of recurrence. One of the most important factors to consider in the diet is fat, especially animal fats.
Animal fats have been linked in studies to tumors that feed off the hormone estrogen. When fat is high in the diet, estrogen dependent tumors tend to grow. Choking off the supply of fat and taking other protective measures can help with cancer treatment and even work to prevent future outbreaks of breast cancer.
About Breast Cancer
This condition strikes roughly 200,000 American women a year. About 40,000 people succumb to its devastating effects annually. While there are different types of breast cancer, the most common involves tumors that are fueled by a high presence of estrogen in the system. Estrogen, although a normal reproductive hormone, can create an environment that promotes tumor growth.
How Fat Plays A Role
Swedish researchers have discovered a very strong link between fat intake and recurrence of breast cancer after treatment is completed. Dietary fat does seem to increase the concentrations of estrogen in the blood and provides a fuel source for the development and growth of cancer cells.
In the Swedish study, women who had a high level of animal fats in their diets were 20 percent more likely to suffer recurrence over a four-year period. It has also been theorized that animal fat can promote the growth of existing tumors.
Fats To Watch Out For
Animals fats were implicated in the Swedish study. This included fats found in cheese, milk and meats. Healthier fats like olive oil were not implicated in the study.
Other Options For Preventing Estrogen Tumor Growth
Cutting animal fat out of a diet is an excellent way to help prevent future breast cancer growth if estrogen-fed tumors are the problem. There are other dietary changes women can make, as well. In general, it is a very good idea for women at risk for cancer to follow a well-balanced diet. Going for a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, sodium and sugar is always a wise choice for overall health.
While balance is key to fighting many conditions, there are certain foods that can also assist with the prevention of breast cancer. Foods that can positively impact and even control estrogen levels include:
- Legumes: Beans like black beans, garbanzo, pinto and even soy can help block the effectiveness of estrogen in fueling cancer cells. Studies have shown that women who consume legumes on a regular basis - roughly six times a week - are much less likely to develop breast cancer.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage can also work wonders for controlling estrogen levels. These vegetables are known to promote better estrogen metabolism and may prevent tumor growth and spread as a result.
If breast cancer is a concern, food can serve as a secret weapon against it. Altering dietary habits by reducing or eliminating animal fat intake and adding more vegetables to the diet can make a big difference. Although guarantees do not exist, these foods just might provide the necessary edge to help women put breast cancer behind them for good.
by: EeLynn Lee
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