NEARLY one million women globally have been diagnosed with breast cancer with some 500,000 deaths occurring mostly in developing countries.
According to a comparative study (Yip and Ng, 1996), breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malaysian and Singaporean women, with a slightly lower incidence among the Malays.
‘Ductal carcinoma in situ’ is believed to be the precursor of most invasive breast cancers. A study (Tam et al, 2010) suggested that a major cause is lifestyle rather than genetic differences.
Diet and environment seem to play an important role in promoting breast cancer. Asians born in the West have a rate of breast cancer some 600% higher than their counterparts in Asia.
► Obesity
Once disgnosed with the disease, obese patients have a significantly lower survival rate compared with those of ideal weight as obesity is consistently associated with cancer recurrence even after cancer treatments and/or surgery.
Increased adiposity (fat gain) in the decade preceding diagnosis may determine treatment outcome and function as a late-stage promoter of breast cancer.
Consequently, proper weight management accompanied by specific changes in diet and physical activity may have an impact on breast cancer risk.
A study (Harvie et al, 2003) found that central (not general) obesity strongly influenced breast cancer risk in pre-monopausal women.
Currently, there’s no evidence that weight loss after diagnosis improves survival. Enough evidence exists to suggest that weight management should be a part of the strategy to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer.
However, the desirable BMI of women may differ throughout the stages of their life. Besides obesity, age, country of origin, family history, alcohol consumption, nutrition, and hormonal treatment may be contributing factors.
► Diet and lifestyle
The World Cancer Research Fund (2007) states that up to 38% of all breast cancer cases might be prevented via a proper diet, regular physical activities and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Delayed childbearing and decreased breast feeding, along with greater body mass index and dietary fat consumption may contribute to increased risk.
Numerous studies have linked improved blood vitamin D status with decreased risk for developing breast and several other deadly cancers.
Sensible sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation recommended by licensed health therapists can help raise blood vitamin D status for bone health, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. The ideal blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is between 40 and 60ng/mL.
Those with darker skin need longer sun exposure to generate the same amount of vitamin D compared to the fair-skinned.
Some studies showed decreased risk of death for patients on higher intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Foods rich in these nutrients include sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, chilli, bell pepper, berries, and guava.
Selenium can decrease cancer mortality and shelled Brazil nut is a rich source while nutrients such as apigenin and chrysin inhibit tumour angiogenesis (spread). Their food sources include celery, parsley, onions, cilantro, basil, cloves, oregano, and tea.
Supplementing with d-alpha-tocopherol may reduce general inhibition of breast tumour cell proliferation. Use supplements only on advice of a licensed nutritional therapist.
Red meat should be avoided since iron overload can contribute to breast cancer development as its conversion to ferrous iron can catalyse the formation of the hydroxyl radicals.
Soy foods have shown no detrimental effects on risk of breast cancer recurrence and, in some cases, significantly reduce the risk.
A study (Messina and Wu, 2009) found that high soy intake among Asians reduces the risk of both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer by a third.
Risk decreases with frequent tofu intake even after adjusting for age, populations studied, and ethnicity.
► Hormonal imbalance
Recent research suggests that targeting the hormonal pathway may be highly relevant in managing breast cancer in many populations.
Note that long-term use of oral contraceptive may raise breast cancer risk.
More significantly, weight gain after menopause and increased central fat deposition alter ovarian hormone and glucose metabolism, and in growth factors that may promote breast cancer cell growth.
Estrogen levels are influenced by levels of body adipose (fat) tissue, with overweight patients having higher estrogen levels compared to those with normal-weight.
Source: Beating breast cancer
According to a comparative study (Yip and Ng, 1996), breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malaysian and Singaporean women, with a slightly lower incidence among the Malays.
‘Ductal carcinoma in situ’ is believed to be the precursor of most invasive breast cancers. A study (Tam et al, 2010) suggested that a major cause is lifestyle rather than genetic differences.
Diet and environment seem to play an important role in promoting breast cancer. Asians born in the West have a rate of breast cancer some 600% higher than their counterparts in Asia.
► Obesity
Once disgnosed with the disease, obese patients have a significantly lower survival rate compared with those of ideal weight as obesity is consistently associated with cancer recurrence even after cancer treatments and/or surgery.
Increased adiposity (fat gain) in the decade preceding diagnosis may determine treatment outcome and function as a late-stage promoter of breast cancer.
Consequently, proper weight management accompanied by specific changes in diet and physical activity may have an impact on breast cancer risk.
A study (Harvie et al, 2003) found that central (not general) obesity strongly influenced breast cancer risk in pre-monopausal women.
Currently, there’s no evidence that weight loss after diagnosis improves survival. Enough evidence exists to suggest that weight management should be a part of the strategy to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer.
However, the desirable BMI of women may differ throughout the stages of their life. Besides obesity, age, country of origin, family history, alcohol consumption, nutrition, and hormonal treatment may be contributing factors.
► Diet and lifestyle
The World Cancer Research Fund (2007) states that up to 38% of all breast cancer cases might be prevented via a proper diet, regular physical activities and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Delayed childbearing and decreased breast feeding, along with greater body mass index and dietary fat consumption may contribute to increased risk.
Numerous studies have linked improved blood vitamin D status with decreased risk for developing breast and several other deadly cancers.
Sensible sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation recommended by licensed health therapists can help raise blood vitamin D status for bone health, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. The ideal blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is between 40 and 60ng/mL.
Those with darker skin need longer sun exposure to generate the same amount of vitamin D compared to the fair-skinned.
Some studies showed decreased risk of death for patients on higher intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Foods rich in these nutrients include sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, chilli, bell pepper, berries, and guava.
Selenium can decrease cancer mortality and shelled Brazil nut is a rich source while nutrients such as apigenin and chrysin inhibit tumour angiogenesis (spread). Their food sources include celery, parsley, onions, cilantro, basil, cloves, oregano, and tea.
Supplementing with d-alpha-tocopherol may reduce general inhibition of breast tumour cell proliferation. Use supplements only on advice of a licensed nutritional therapist.
Red meat should be avoided since iron overload can contribute to breast cancer development as its conversion to ferrous iron can catalyse the formation of the hydroxyl radicals.
Soy foods have shown no detrimental effects on risk of breast cancer recurrence and, in some cases, significantly reduce the risk.
A study (Messina and Wu, 2009) found that high soy intake among Asians reduces the risk of both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer by a third.
Risk decreases with frequent tofu intake even after adjusting for age, populations studied, and ethnicity.
► Hormonal imbalance
Recent research suggests that targeting the hormonal pathway may be highly relevant in managing breast cancer in many populations.
Note that long-term use of oral contraceptive may raise breast cancer risk.
More significantly, weight gain after menopause and increased central fat deposition alter ovarian hormone and glucose metabolism, and in growth factors that may promote breast cancer cell growth.
Estrogen levels are influenced by levels of body adipose (fat) tissue, with overweight patients having higher estrogen levels compared to those with normal-weight.
Source: Beating breast cancer
