Many of the ways that we can reduce our chance of developing breast cancer involve oestrogen, but there are other things we can do to protect ourselves from disease.

Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to lower your risk of breast cancer in general - but especially following the menopause.

Starting around the time of menopause - and continuing post menopause  - weight-gain specifically in the abdominal region has been associated with increased possibility of disease.  Up to a third of breast cancers have been attributed to weight, making it an important issue when reducing your risk of illness.

The link between weight and breast-cancer risk is related to the ability to affect oestrogen levels.  High levels of oestrogen once the menopause is completed may cause cells to become abnormal and potentially cancerous.

In post-menopausal women, oestrogen is discharged by fat cells.  Losing weight can therefore play a role in lowering the level of oestrogen in the body. 

By extension, anything that can help reduce weight and decrease the risk of obesity can reduce the risk of breast cancer so regular physical activity has a role to play.

Maintaining your weight is a general way of lowering your risk of several additional cancers such as colon, kidney, and uterine.  It also reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes or stroke and is important for overall health and well-being.

Alcohol 

Studies indicate that a heavy intake of alcohol may raise the level of oestrogen in your body and consequently increase your risk of breast cancer.

High alcohol levels are also associated with high morbidity and mortality.  If you have any concerns about how alcohol may be affecting your overall health, talk to your doctor.

Diet and breast cancer

A balanced and varied diet has a role to play in preventing breast cancer. Several foods have been specifically linked and the more common of these are listed below.

Eating vegetables may lower your risk  they contain beta-carotene, which has been linked to protection against breast cancer.  Fibre has also been shown to be protective by lowering oestrogen levels in the body.

The role of fats is complex. Polyunsaturated fats (such as corn oil) and transfatty acids (margarine) are associated with increased risk, whilst monounsaturated fats such as olive oil are thought to reduce risk.  Omega-3-fatty acids (such as fish oil) may also have some protective effects.

Phyto-oestrogens are plant-derived oestrogens found in food products like soy.  They are believed to reduce natural oestrogen levels by direct competition.  A particular type called isoflavones is thought to be helpful in reducing risk.  However, their long-term effect on the body is unknown and they should be treated accordingly.

In general, consuming a high intake of fruit and vegetables, increasing your consumption of whole grains and legumes, and reducing your intake of fatty foods and alcohol will be enormously beneficial to your overall health and will afford some protection against the development of breast cancer.

For more information about the role of diet in relation to cancer, click here.

02/06/2009