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October 28th, 2011
04:21 PM ET
Does diet really matter in breast cancer?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Friday, it's Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician nutrition specialist. Asked by Katherine in California Does diet really make a difference when it comes to breast cancer? Expert answer Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this is the perfect time to answer this question. And the answer is a resounding yes. To get you the best possible information, I turned to registered dietitians Sally Scroggs, MS,RD,LD, and Clare McKinley, RD,LD, at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, one of the leading cancer hospitals in the world. They explained that breast cancer risk could be decreased by up to 38% through lifestyle factors including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. In fact, less than 10% of breast cancer appears to have a genetic basis. For prevention of breast cancer, limiting alcohol to one drink a day (5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of spirits) is one of the most important things that you can do. In addition, a plant-based diet loaded with at least two cups a day of a variety of produce is beneficial. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, "no single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself. But scientists believe that the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based diet may. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost their individual anti-cancer effects. This concept of interaction, where 1 + 1 = 3, is called synergy." Some of their top picks for cancer prevention include beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts), dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, chard, romaine, mustard greens), flaxseed, garlic, grapes/grape juice, green tea, soy, tomatoes and whole grains. A recent study in mice suggests that walnuts may also play a role in breast cancer prevention, but these findings need to be confirmed in humans. There is also a growing body of research suggesting that curcumin, one of the active components of curry, may play a role in both the treatment and prevention of various types of cancer including breast cancer. Being overweight is strongly associated with the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Adult weight gain of 22-44 pounds is associated with a 50% greater risk and a weight gain above 45 pounds is associated with an 87% increased risk. Excess belly fat seems to be particularly harmful, most likely because of its effects on inflammation and its association with elevated insulin levels, so if you tend to be more "apple shaped" and carry extra weight in your belly, it is especially important to lose weight, exercise regularly, and limit refined grains, sugar sweetened beverages, and added sugar in your diet. When it comes to breast cancer survivors, a healthy lifestyle is just as important, if not more so. Many women are concerned about soy consumption, which I've written about before. Sally and Clare agree that up to three servings per day is safe, but they emphasize that soy should come from whole foods like soy milk, edamame and tofu, and that supplements like smoothies, bars and soy fortified cereals should be limited. Finally, during treatment, diet is very important to maintain health and optimize energy levels, but before taking any supplements, it is best to consult with a registered dietitian, preferably one that has experience with cancer treatment, because some supplements may actually interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. In general, the emphasis should be on whole foods rich in anti-oxidants. Vitamin C may need to be supplemented in some cases if not enough is consumed in the diet. To find a registered dietitian, go to the American Dietetic Association website. I hope you are encouraged by the fact that you can make a difference in your risk of breast cancer through lifestyle. Here a few breast cancer fighting recipes from M.D. Anderson to get you started in the right direction.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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Where do senior domestic violence victims go? What about their mental health?
.. also wearing a particular brand of shoes can decrease your risk of breast cancer..for example wearing Prada can lower your risk with up to 24%, on the other side sneakers show just a moderate decrease of 5-10%.
"less than 10% of breast cancer appears to have a genetic basis."– completely wrong, 100% of cancer has a genetic basis, please revise your article. Diet however is very important, as well as environment, pollution etc. If you get a mutation in an important protein, you are likely to get cancer if your immune system doesn't clear it.
I have estrogen p breast cancer it Was caught very early they did a lump rediitation and put me on arimadex my mom passed away from the same cancer she was stage4 when they found it her dr said that she had it for a very long time thank you
Again terrible advice, whole grains? Members of the breast cancer community came out recently to state that moderate low-carbohydrate diet can help reduce chance of recurring breast cancer. This is based off of the fact increased insulin and blood glucose are an essential element of contracting breast cancer. Cancer feeds off of glucose.
I'm not sure why they didn't advocate for full low-carbohydrate diet, as it is extremely healthy and prevents not only cancer but coronary disease, type II diabetes and a number of other health issues.
I have many health issues. Had a breast removed, on coumadin for aterial Fib., had cancer of the vulva, I am in need of a diet to lose 60 pounds. I am also gluten intolerant. I tried a nuturientast but she wanted me to drink a liquid powder once a day (which is fine with me) however, reading the label on the package shows gluten. She had no nice words for me when I told her I could not drink the liquid. I need help, please. I walk a mile a day for exercise but need help with the diet.
Hey Karen.
I read you post on CNN looking for a good diet to lose weight and deals with gluten intolerance. Also, the breast cancer issues are very much linked to blood glucose and insulin levels in your blood. Try a paleo or primal lifestyle. They naturally eliminate grains and other forms of gluten in your diet, while keeping your blood sugar low to stave off cancer forever.
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To fight cancer you need to take care of yourself as a whole system, according to Natural standard Yoga, therapy and meditation have been proven to help with the psychology part of breast cancer. Treating your soul along with medication and healthy diet is your best bet to beat cancer
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I am pleased that the article identified a plant-based diet as benificial, but it focused on what substances in vegetables may be protective and not what is dangerous in milk and meat. There is research which indicates that animal protien promotes the growth of cancer. The article could have been improved if that were addressed.
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