Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, with more than 2 million cases recorded every year worldwide. Factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences contribute to its prevalence, making awareness and prevention crucial.
While medical advances have improved treatment options for breast cancer, focusing on prevention is a proactive approach to reducing risk. One of the simplest yet powerful ways to support breast health is through diet. Research has shown that certain foods can play a role in lowering the risk of breast cancer.
While no food can completely prevent cancer, certain foods are known to contain nutrients and antioxidants that support your body’s ability to fight the disease. Including these foods in your diet may help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer over time. Here are 11 healthy foods that can help reduce your breast cancer risk.
Related: 7 Crucial Signs of Breast Cancer You Should Check For
Kale, spinach, and collard greens are just a few examples of dark, leafy greens that can help combat breast cancer. These vegetables are packed with antioxidants that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. A 2012 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed dark leafy greens had a much lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who didn’t.
These greens are versatile and can be paired with almost any dish. Try sautéing them with garlic and olive oil, or tossing them into salads and sandwiches. They also add great flavor to soups and chilis.
Some tasty dark leafy greens to consider are:
Eating more cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli might lower your risk of breast cancer. These veggies have compounds called glucosinolates that get converted into isothiocyanates in your body, known for their cancer-fighting properties. A study involving 1,493 women from Southern China found that those who consumed higher amounts of these vegetables had a decreased risk of breast cancer.
Berries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that keep your cells safe, fix damage, and even slow cancer cell growth. Dark berries, like blackberries and blueberries, are especially rich, having 50% more antioxidants than lighter ones. A study from 2016 in Antioxidants revealed that these berries may help destroy breast tumors and cancer cells.
And the best part? Berries are super easy to add to your meals! Toss them into your cereal, Greek yogurt, or oatmeal, or mix them into a fruit salad. Just opt for fresh berries when you can—dried ones often come with added sugars and lose some nutrients.
Here are some delicious berries to include in your diet:
Packed with vitamin C, folate, calcium, and more, citrus fruits may help ward off breast cancer. A study from 2013 in the Journal of Breast Cancer found that women who ate more citrus fruits had a 10% lower risk of getting breast cancer.
Citrus fruits make a tasty snack on their own and can add a zesty kick to your tea or water. They’re also perfect for spicing up salsas, marinades, salads, and desserts.
Varieties of citrus fruits include:
Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, helpful bacteria that boost your gut health. These probiotics can also shield your body from harmful toxins linked to breast cancer. Research shows they can even strengthen your immune system to fight cancer.
Try out these fermented foods:
These foods not only help with digestion but also come with antioxidants to lower breast cancer risk. Give them a go to see which you enjoy.
Related: 7 Reasons a Breast Lump is Not Cancerous
Fish like salmon and sardines are rich in beneficial fats and antioxidants, which help lower inflammation linked to breast cancer. A 2020 study revealed that women eating plenty of fatty fish had reduced breast cancer risks.
Cook these fish by baking or smoking, or toss them into tacos and sandwiches for a delicious meal.
Here are some fatty fish to consider:
Beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their fiber content could play a role in reducing breast cancer risk.
A study from 2018 with more than 4,000 women revealed that high bean consumption was linked to a 20% decrease in breast cancer risk. Similarly, a 2020 study showed that women who ate beans had a 28% lower risk compared to those with the least intake.
When shopping for beans, try to avoid canned ones because they tend to have high sodium and additives. Dry beans are a better option—they’re inexpensive, easy to store, and can be quickly cooked in a pressure cooker.
Beans are incredibly versatile, perfect for soups, chilis, stews, and burritos, and can even be used in vegan desserts like brownies.
Beans that might help reduce breast cancer risk include:
While "allium" is Latin for garlic, this group includes other vegetables that might help reduce breast cancer risk. Allium veggies are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and sulfur compounds that can prevent blood clots and boost the immune system. Per a 2016 study in the Journal of Breast Cancer, eating lots of raw garlic and leeks was linked to a lower breast cancer risk.
Allium veggies include:
They're great in stir-fries, soups, or salads, enhancing both taste and health benefits.
Herbs and spices are rich in plant compounds like vitamins, fatty acids, and polyphenol antioxidants that may help guard against breast cancer. Oregano, for instance, contains carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, antioxidants that a 2017 study found to be effective against aggressive breast cancer cells. Turmeric's curcumin and parsley's apigenin also have strong anticancer properties.
Including a variety of herbs and spices like thyme, curry mixes, and ginger in your meals can provide these benefits.
Research has found that pomegranates might help prevent and combat estrogen-related cancers like breast cancer. A 2010 study from Cancer Prevention Research found that they contain ellagitannins, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Fermented pomegranate juice was found to reduce breast cancer lesions by 75% to 90% in a 2015 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
Incorporating pomegranate juice into your routine is super easy. You can enjoy whole pomegranates by snacking on the seeds or tossing them into salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
Rich in beneficial fats, walnuts could be a nut worth cracking for breast cancer defense. Research from 2015 linked high walnut consumption with a reduced breast cancer risk by 2-3 times.
In a study with breast cancer patients, eating walnuts daily for a few weeks changed key gene activities related to cancer. Furthermore, a 2016 lab study found walnut components could reduce breast cancer cell proliferation by 63%.
Related: Dangerous Breast Cancer Myths We All Keep Believing
Just as some foods can help guard against breast cancer, there are those that might raise your risk. It's wise to cut back on or steer clear of:
Alcohol: Even moderate drinking can up the risk. Limit to one drink per day or less for women.
Red and processed meats: Bacon, sausages, and red meats, when eaten often, have been linked to higher breast cancer risks. Opt for lean proteins instead.
Sugary drinks and foods: High sugar intake can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. Choose water or unsweetened teas over sodas and limit sweets.
Trans fats: Found in some margarines, baked goods, and fried foods, these fats should be minimized. Look for "partially hydrogenated oils" in the ingredients list.
Highly processed foods: Foods with lots of preservatives, additives, or those that are heavily refined can contribute to health issues like breast cancer. Go for whole, natural foods when possible.
Refined carbs: Diets high in refined carbohydrates, such as the typical Western diet, may elevate the risk of developing breast cancer. Consider substituting refined carbs like white bread and sugary baked goods with whole grain products and nutrient-rich vegetables.
Take a proactive step towards reducing your risk of breast cancer by cutting down on these items in your diet. Your health is worth it!
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