Healthy diet can lower the risk of breast cancer

Dietician and founder of Newtricion Wellness, Omy Naidoo, says a healthy diet can reduce the risks of breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among South African women, with an increase of 27% new breast cancer cases being recorded in the country last year (according to a report released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer).

One of the biggest problems in South Africa is that most women, particularly those in rural areas and low-income households, cannot access adequate cancer screening facilities.

A healthy diet is paramount. Foods such as butter, dairy products and red meat contain saturated fats, which should be limited along with processed foods and those high in sugar.

They don’t contain sufficient fibre and scientifically proven to reduce oestrogen production in the body.

According to Naidoo, one of the most studied dietary plans worldwide is the Mediterranean diet.

It comprises foods that can lessen risks and help the body fight against cancerous cells.

It consists of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, fish and extra virgin olive oil.

Cancer is often caused by oxidised damage, because low-grade inflammation eventually ignites the cancer generation process or worsens it.

However, the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in fighting breast cancer as it consists of foods that exert anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Breast cancer may be genetically inherited, but poor dietary and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol abuse are some of the leading contributing risk factors that people need to be cautious of relating to the development of breast cancer.