Reduce your chances of breast cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle
A little known fact is that men are also able to develop breast cancer.
Cancer is one of the most serious diseases can face in their lifetime.
However, research shows a healthy dietary plan cannot only help you lose weight, but also minimise chances of getting it.
Read: CANSA and Blackrock honour all cancer survivors
“We at CANSA always encourage people to follow a healthy lifestyle, as cancer is predominately caused through poor lifestyle choices,” said Community Mobiliser, Siphelelise Mabazo.
One of the most common cases of cancer found in women is breast cancer.
It is very important for women to know what is normal in their bodies and to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer.
“One of every 35 women have breast cancer, but although it is one of the most common cancers, it is one of the most treatable.”
Ms Mabaso said in order for treatment to work efficiently, it was of the utmost importance for women to check for lumps on a regular basis and go to a doctor if a lump was found in their breasts.
A little known fact, men are also able to develop breast cancer.
“It is very rare in men with one in 1066 men having the possibility to contract it.”
Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and Diet pioneer who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About, has supplied a list of foods you can add to your diet to decrease the chanches of getting breast cancer.
Also read: Walking the extra mile for CANSA
Pomegranates: The seeds of a pomegranate contain ellagic acid (natural phenol antioxidant), which is a potent antioxidant that may inhibit enzymes that play a role in breast cancer development.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms block aromatase, which is a protein linked to most breast cancers. A higher mushroom intake is therefore associated with a lower risk of breast cancer amongst women.
Eggs: Eggs contain choline (a water-soluble vitamin) which is associated with a 24 per cent reduced risk of breast cancer according to a US study.
Blueberries: Blueberries contain pterostilbene (a naturally occurring compound) which can halt the growth of breast cancer tumours by causing cancerous cells to self-destruct.
Salmon: Salmon is one of the few foods that contain vitamin D, which in turn is known to prevent cells from becoming cancerous.
Plums and Peaches: Plums and peaches contain two types of antioxidants that may help kill breast cancer cells.
Spinach: The vitamin B in spinach is necessary for proper cell division which helps in reducing the chances of getting breast cancer.
Walnuts: Walnuts contain omega-3s, antioxidants and phytosterols (molecules related to cholesterol) which may help slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Rye Bread: Rye bread contains fibre, vitamins and minerals that strengthens the body’s immune system.
Apples: Apple peels are a rich source of antioxidants, fibre and other compounds needed for anti-cancer nutrition which means it’s advisable for you not to peel your apples when you eat them.
