Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 8 (12%) U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.¹ There may not be any warning of breast cancer, however, if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you may need to see your doctor:

• Breast lump
• Strange discharge coming from the nipple
• Skin dimpling on the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast

Breast cancer is much more common in industrialized countries, suggesting lifestyle and environmental risks are the strongest factors. Genetic markers have been discovered as well, but about 90% or more of women with breast cancer do not have a genetic risk factor for breast cancer. In general, cell damage that develops into cancer always has some agent or combination of agents that cause changes and damage to cell structure. This damage can occur early in life, even before birth, and is cumulative. Causative risks include exposures to chemicals, supplemental hormones, radiation exposure, early first menstruation, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, tobacco use, and high animal product intake. Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits in general has been found to correlate with lower risk of breast cancer, and this is likely related to the cancer protective nutrients found in these foods. Childhood and adolescence seems to be the most important time to use protective foods and avoid risky behaviors that increase risk.

Diet

• Many plant foods have been found to contain cancer-fighting nutrients for prevention or part of a treatment regimen for breast cancer. Of the foods studied, the following has shown the most convincing evidence for protection.
  • Flax seeds—Flax seeds have been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer as well as help treat it,¹ likely related to their high amount of lignans, a nutrient which has anti-estrogenic effects and is also found in other foods such as chia seeds.
  • Green vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and collards)—Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of special sulphur-containing compounds that fight cancer, and have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.²
  • Garlic and onions—Similar to cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions have special sulfur-containing compounds that fight cancer.
  • Soybeans
    • Eating whole soybeans (edamame), tofu, and tempeh, has been shown to be protective against developing breast cancer, particularly when eaten as a child or adolescent.
    • Whole soy is also helpful for those already diagnosed with breast cancer.³
    • Avoid isolated soy protein.
  • Mushrooms—Mushrooms are particularly helpful at reducing breast cancer risk⁴ in part related to their estrogen-lowering effects.
  • Berries—Eating berries (strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, etc.) have been shown to help fight cancer, including breast cancer.
  • Tip: Onion family and cruciferous family vegetables are best eaten raw and chewed well or at least chopped finely or blended prior to cooking in order to provide the strongest cancer protection.
  • A high-fiber diet (rich in vegetables and beans) provides additional protection by reducing circulating estrogen levels, as fiber binds up estrogen in the digestive tract, accelerating its removal from the body.^5-7
  • Alcohol consumption also increases risk of breast cancer in a dose-dependent fashion.⁸
• Reducing foods that are associated with higher risk, such as processed foods and animal products, is also an important strategy in reducing breast cancer risk.
• Green tea consumption may be protective against breast cancer.⁹ Using green tea extracts (see Supplements below) allows for convenient dosing.
• Meal plan: Anti-cancer/High micronutrient

Supplements

• Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:
  • Multivitamin (without beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, copper), such as Women’s Daily Formula +D3, Men’s Daily Formula +D3, or Gentle Care Formula.
  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA, such as DHA+EPA Purity.
  • Optional: Consider adding a mixed mushroom immune supplement, such as Immune Biotect, because of the potential immune system benefits throughout life from assorted mushroom phytochemicals not normally consumed in the diet.
• Additional supplements:
  • Green tea has anti-cancer effects in vitro, drinking green tea regularly is associated with a lower risk of cancer, and studies suggest that green tea supplements may help to reduce cancer-related biomarkers.¹⁰
  • Turmeric/curcumin: Curcuminoids, the widely studied bioactive components of turmeric, have anti-cancer effects in vitro, and human studies suggest beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.^{11, 12}
  • Grape seed extract has anti-cancer effect in vitro, such as inhibiting inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and aromatase activity.¹³ Clinical trials are being conducted to find out whether grape seed extract is helpful for people with cancer or at high risk of cancer. 
  • Ultra Cell Biotect provides absorption-enhanced curcumin and green tea extract plus turmeric, grape seed extract, and black turmeric extract to help neutralize free radicals and promote cellular health. Consult your physician if you are on medication.
  • Mushroom extracts: Studies suggest that concentrated mushroom extracts may be a useful addition to cancer treatment, to decrease the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy.¹⁴
  • Immune Biotect provides assorted immune-supporting mushroom phytochemicals that are not normally consumed in the diet, plus astragalus, elderberry and other berry extracts. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 

  • Read more: Do you have a supplement formulated to enhance protection against cancer?

Exercise

Regular physical activity is associated with lower risk of cancer. Moderate exercise is helpful, and vigorous exercise provides even more protection.¹⁵

Read

Eat For Life

Super Immunity

Position Paper: IGF-1, Dietary Protein and Cancer

Learn

Sign up for the online Combat Autoimmune Disease and Cancer Masterclass

Other Considerations

• Weight loss: Obesity increases the risk for several cancers, including breast cancer. It is estimated that 17 percent of breast cancers are caused by obesity alone.¹⁶ If you are overweight or obese, a Nutritarian diet style will help you reach your ideal weight.
• Screening with mammograms: Each individual’s case is different, but when investigators look at a very large group of women together, screening (with mammogram primarily) has recently been shown to not be able to reduce the overall risk of dying.¹⁷ Some individuals may still benefit from some form of screening, but, unfortunately, it is difficult to know who would or wouldn’t benefit from screening, how often, or when to start. Screening with mammogram can lead to higher exposures to harmful radiation, false-positive results which lead to unnecessary treatments/surgery/grief, and even false-negative results which can lead to false reassurance and less focus on prevention strategies such as dietary changes. Better screening tools will be available in the near future, but the most important real prevention is superior nutrition.