Any
cancer results from mutation or abnormal changes in the genes which are
responsible for controlling the growth of cells in body. If such changes occur
in body , the mutated cells grow unchecked and form a tumor in that part of
body. If it is malignant , it can spread to other parts of the body also.
Breast
cancer is formation of lumps or tumor in
the breast . Breast cancer symptoms can
vary from a lump or swelling or skin changes. Some of the cancers may have no
symptoms at all. Sometimes you might have symptoms, but they are
non-carcinogenic and can be due to cyst or infection. Then these are not
dangerous.
Important
point is that you keep doing
self-examination monthly and immediately consult a doctor if you notice
something wrong . It can be followed by mammogram and other tests like ultrasound, MRI, CAT scans, PET scans etc.
The earlier the breast cancer is detected , the better are your chances of
beating it.
Actually
there is no food or diet that can prevent you from getting breast cancer. Also if
you get breast cancer no food can cure it . But there are some foods that boost
your immune system and help the body fight against the disease. Also if someone has
undergone treatment for breast cancer , these foods help in fast recovery and
restoration of body immunity. The main things to be taken care/consumed are:
LOW FAT DIET:-May
reduce the risk of breast cancer. Reducing fats means loss in weight
which reduces the chances of breast cancer.
FRUITS :- Like strawberries ,red pepper are
rich in vitamin C - an antioxidant which blocks the formation of free
radicals.
WHEAT BRAN:-Wheat
bran contains phytic acid and lignans which help block the growth of
mammary cancer( proved in Lab studies)
FLAVONOIDS :-Research show that
those who consumed Flavonoids over their entire lives have lower
risk of breast cancer.SOY is a rich source of flavonoids.
FIBROUS FOODS:-
10 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day help fight against cancer.
Make it a habit to buy and consume more
fruits at home. Avoid processed or frozen fruits.
OMEGA -3 FATTY ACIDS :-
This Is found in soy ,flax seeds ,walnuts and fish .This fatty acid reduces
blood fat thus protecting us against cancer. Include it in your daily
diet.
VITAMIN D :-It
decreases the risk of cancer , perhaps it is toxic to cancer cells. Most of us
do not get enough vitamin D because we live most of the time indoors and
outdoors with sun screen. So 20 minute exposure
of sunlight (in the morning)
is sufficient for the daily dose of Vitamin D . But we should stay in sun just
after sunrise , because the rays are not so strong at that time.
Mushroom is also a rich source of Vitamin D.
FOLATE:- Folate decreases the risk of cancer
.Spinach ,tomatoes, orange juice etc contain a lot of folate.
TOMATO SAUCE (Homemade) contains lycopene
which prevents cancer.
MONOUNSATURATED FATS :-
This type of fat has anti carcinogenic property. Rich source of this fat is
olive oil. So include virgin olive oil
in your diet.
GREEN TEA :-
It is high in antioxidants .But do not add milk in it . The casein in milk has been shown to inhibit the
beneficial effects of tea.
Note : All tumors /lumps in the breast are not
cancerous. If you feel any lump in your
breast , don’t panic and consult the doctor immediately . As stated : An early
detection will help you fight better with it and recovery is also fast and
almost complete.
Dr. Suman Setia , BAMS ,DNHE, PGDHHM