A new study from the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that women with early-stage breast cancer might not need chemotherapy treatment. The study called TAILORx trial studied 6,711 women between the ages of 18 and 75 with hormone-receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative cancers that haven’t spread to the lymph nodes.\
The participants were given gene tests to determine who could skip chemotherapy and take an estrogen-blocking drug and those who could take a drug that prevents the body from making estrogen altogether. The hormone-blocking drug is part of a larger class of treatment called endocrine therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, endocrine therapy is less invasive and has fewer harsh side effects. With more than 260,000 new cases of breast cancer expected in American women this year, this new form of treatment is significant for those with early stages of the disease.
Although many risk factors for breast cancer are out of your control, such as genetic factors like having the BRCA1 or 2 genes, there is evidence to support that a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutrient-dense diet may affect your risk of cancer. In fact, experts estimate that we may be able to prevent as many as 1 out of every 20 cancer cases simply by changing what we eat.
While no single food is guaranteed to keep you cancer-free, shifting your diet to include more of these foods that can help fight breast cancer wouldn’t hurt. Below, we’ve listed some of these nutritional stars. Breast cancer isn’t the only ailment that affects women disproportionately. Find out which other foods are great for girls with these 50 Healthiest Foods For Women!
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Peaches
They’re one of our favorite Greek yogurt toppers: antioxidant-rich peaches. In 2014, researchers at Texas A&M found that the precise mixture of phenolic compounds present in a peach extract was able to inhibit the metastasis—or spread—of breast cancer cells in mice. Researchers say that the dosage equivalent used in the experiment would be equivalent to humans consuming two to three peaches per day.
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Chickpeas
Chickpeas are one of our Surprising High-Protein Foods for Weight Loss because they’re high in fiber and plant protein, and are the main ingredient in our fave dip ever, hummus (duh!). What’s even more impressive is that a study published in the Nutrition and Cancer journal discovered that these legumes can prevent breast cancer thanks to their anti-cancer agents called protease inhibitor concentrates.
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Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most widely-consumed berries in the U.S., and it makes sense—they are delicious and easy to add to everything from Greek yogurt to fruit salad. Another perk of these sweet berries is they are rich in antioxidants. A review published in the journal Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry found that blueberries “show promise as effective anti-cancer agents” due to their ability to prevent pro-inflammatory molecules from being formed. They have been shown to prevent the beginning of cancer formation, and increase healthy cells’ ability to kill off dangerous cells. Add a serving of blueberries to your smoothies, parfaits, or sprinkle in a spinach salad.
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Carrots
Another reason to pick up that bag of baby carrots: According to research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, out of 33,000 women, those who had the highest amount of carotenoids in their blood had 18 to 28 percent lower risk of breast cancer. Carrots are jam-packed with these cancer-fighting antioxidants, which is why you should chop some up and add them to these 26 Flat Belly Soups.
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Strawberries
Not only do they make the perfect dessert and sweet snack, strawberries can also help fight cancer, according to a study in Scientific Reports. “We have shown for the first time that strawberry extract, rich in phenolic compounds, inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells in in vitro and in vivo models,” Maurizio Battino, co-author of the paper, said in a press release.
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Oranges
Sure, oranges provide us with some of our favorite cocktail mixers, but did you know they’re also packed with chemopreventive properties? A study published in Journal of Breast Cancer found that a high intake of citrus fruits can potentially decrease your risk for breast cancer.
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Goji Berries
Like blueberries and strawberries, goji berries are chock-full of antioxidants. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory food that can also help fight cancer. Research published in the journal Natural Product Research found that goji berry extract prevented the increase of breast cancer cells. It’s another reason why goji berries are one of the 50 Best Foods for Women.
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Pecans
Pecans aren’t just for pies and cookies; these potent nuts can help ward off cancer, too. They’re packed with ellagic acid, a polyphenol which can help inhibit tumor growth and fighting carcinogens. A review published in the journal Cancer Biology & Medicine found that ellagic acid has “anti-carcinogenic actions.” Eat raw or roasted pecans for a snack, or make your own nut mix with pecans, walnuts, and almonds for a triple dose of antioxidants.
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Cauliflower
When cauliflowers’ cells are damaged (when you chop, chew, and digest the veggie), a compound called glucosinolates break down and form biologically active compounds like indoles and isothiocyanates. According to the National Cancer Institute, indoles and isothiocyanates can prevent development of breast cancer, along with other cancers like lung, colon, liver, and stomach.
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Cherries
Cherries, one of the best foods to eat for sleep, are also one of the best fruits to eat to prevent breast cancer. According to a study published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, these sweet red orbs may have the ability to decrease the risk of cancer as well as chronic diseases. Next time you’re in need of a snack, pop a few cherries into Greek yogurt or blend them into a Zero Belly Smoothie!
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Cabbage
Just like cauliflower, this cruciferous veggie is brimming with cancer-fighting indoles and isothiocyanates. Next time you’re wondering what to whip up for dinner, try stuffing the leaves with lean ground turkey or pickling it in advance, as sauerkraut is one of our 14 Fermented Foods To Fit Into Your Diet.
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Bok Choy
Another cruciferous veggie, bok choy is an underrated type of Chinese cabbage that can help prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Not sure how to use this leafy green? Try sauteeing it with garlic and olive oil for a savory side. Not only will you reap its anti-cancer benefits, you’ll also prevent hair loss due to this veggie’s solid iron content.
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Flaxseed
Flaxseed has all kinds of amazing health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Flaxseed is the richest source of lignans, a type of antioxidant. Although previous research found that flaxseed was shown to reduce the growth of tumors in rats, a 2005 study in the journal Clinical Cancer Research found that “dietary flaxseed as the potential to reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer.” Add flaxseeds to your smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or mix in your morning oatmeal.
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Asparagus
These savory spears are more than just your average fiber-filled dinner side. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that asparagus induced antioxidant activity, which can possibly prevent cancer. As if you needed another reason to roast and pop them onto your salad!
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Soy
We’re debunking the long-standing food myth that soy foods cause breast cancer. It stemmed from the fact that soy contains phytoestrogens, naturally occurring hormone-like compounds with weak estrogenic effects. Under lab settings, these compounds sometimes fuel cancers; however, human studies have not proved high-soy diets increase breast cancer risk. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, and experts speculate it has to do with the fact that soy isoflavones can actually block more potent natural estrogens in the blood.
A longitudinal study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that followed nearly 10,000 breast cancer survivors found that women who ate the most soy had 15 percent lower rate of cancer recurrence and 15 percent decrease in mortality. The American Cancer Society’s dietary guidelines note that consumption of soy foods is not only safe but “may even lower breast cancer risk.” Other studies in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and American Journal of Epidemiology have also shown that increased soy consumption correlates to improved survival rates and decreased risk of lung cancer as well as a reduced risk of prostate cancer for men. Reap the benefits with fermented foods: miso paste, tempeh, natto, soy sauces, and fermented tofu.
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