How A Plant-Based Diet Can Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer
Many people have chosen to follow a plant-based diet in recent years. This diet can be beneficial for many reasons, including reducing the risk of breast cancer. New research has found that women who consume a well-balanced plant-based diet can reduce their risk of breast cancer by 14 percent (via WebMD). It is important to note that the reduced risk of breast cancer only occurred when women had a diet filled with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other whole foods. Women who followed a plant-based diet but mainly ate refined grains, sweetened beverages, and processed foods actually saw an increased risk of breast cancer by 20 percent.
Researchers believe that the fiber- and antioxidant-rich foods found in plant-based whole foods may contribute to the reduced risk of breast cancer. However, they acknowledged that more research needs to be done to draw a definitive conclusion. They also noted that you do not need to be vegan or vegetarian to potentially reduce your risk of breast cancer, only that your diet should mainly consist of plant-based foods.
What to know about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and it is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. There are several different types of breast cancer, but the two main types are invasive breast cancer and non-invasive breast cancer (via BreastCancer.org). Invasive breast cancer is more serious because it can spread to other parts of the body. Non-invasive breast cancer is less serious and is usually treated with surgery.
Breast cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage, but it can still be deadly. Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, older age, family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, obesity, and drinking alcohol (via Mayo Clinic). There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption. Treatment for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Regular checkups can detect breast cancer early and improve your likelihood of a full recovery.