7 ways to fight breast cancer

detnews.com

Carolyn Clifford

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is likely that we all will be hearing tips on preventing and treating breast cancer. Since some of the diet data is contradictory, you may not want to change your eating habits based on one study. But here are seven pieces of advice from the American Cancer Society you may want to consider.

1. Limit alcohol consumption. The research shows alcohol increases the risk of several kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. People who drink alcohol should limit consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Women at high risk of breast cancer may want to cut out alcohol altogether.
2. Eat more antioxidants. Antioxidant nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and many other chemicals from plants. Studies show that people who eat more veggies and fruits may have a lower risk for some types of cancer.
3. Don't worry about coffee. While caffeine may heighten symptoms of fibrocystic breast lumps, a type of benign breast disease, there is no evidence it increases the risk of breast cancer.
4. Get your folate. Folate is a B vitamin found in many vegetables, beans, fruits, whole grains and fortified cereals. Since 1998, all grain products in the United States have been fortified with folate. Women who don't get enough folate may have an increased risk for breast cancer, especially if they drink alcohol.
5. Eat to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. So avoiding excessive weight gain also to reduces the risk of other chronic diseases.
6. Use soy in moderation. Soy has been shown to protect against hormone-dependent cancers in animal studies. But high doses of soy could possibly increase the risk of estrogen-responsive cancers, such as breast cancer.
7. Don't smoke. Yes, I know, tobacco isn't food. But avoiding it is so important I just had to add it to the list.

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