Breast Cancer – the battle no one wants to talk about.
Allison Tannis, BSc., MSc.
Marketing Coordinator, Puresource Inc.
Don’t speak of it too loudly. We only whisper it, “Breast Cancer.” Women are scared by
these words, as 2 million North American women were diagnosed with breast cancer in
the last decade. Developing a disease in the most ‘womanly’ body part can be
devastating. The war against breast cancer is something women try to ignore. This needs
to change as the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer are things we can do nothing
about: 1) being female, 2) increasing age. Therefore, we need to learn about things we
can do to prevent breast cancer.
Prevention of breast cancer begins early in life. Firstly, self examinations can help
women detect early stages of tumors in the mammary tissue. Physicians can assist women
in learning how to do a proper self examination.
Secondly, eating the right foods, arms your body with the ammunition it needs to attack
cancer initiating events. The American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that 3040% of cancers in the world are preventable by feasible dietary means. There are many
dietary items that target cancer.
Antioxidants are well known cancer warriors. In fact, research noted that consuming
fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of developing breast cancer (Malin et al. 2003. Int
J Cancer. 105(3):413-8). Tea is also a source of antioxidants. Green tea has been well
documented for its ability to reduce cancer risk. Green tea contains catechins, a group of
compounds in the family of flavonoids that are present in red wine, tea and in fruits and
vegetables. Catechins have been shown in epidemiological studies to be protective
against the development of certain cancers, coronary heart disease and stroke. One
catechin, EGCG, was found to inhibit and cause apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in a
dose dependent manner (Kavanagh et al. 2001. J Cell Bio Chem 82:387-398). Green tea
catechins may offer an effective and less expensive alternative to anti-angiogenesis drugs.
This area of research is being pursued.
Fats can have a positive or negative effect on breast cancer. Population studies have
linked diets high in saturated fats with an increased risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile,
omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their ability to decrease the risk of many types of
cancer. However, a lesser known fatty acid, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), has been
shown to kill about 40 different human cancer cell lines in vitro without harming normal
cells. (Med Sci Research 1995; 23, 507-513; Rose et al. 1990. Cancer Res 50:7139-44).
Current research is focusing on human trials with GLA. GLA may be the new anti-cancer
agent. Future studies are warranted.
Phytoestrogens are another dietary factor that has shown some promise in preventing
breast cancer. Phytoestrogens represent a family of plant compounds such as isoflavones,
flavones and lignans. A study of Singapore women showed soy intake to be inversely
related to mammographic density patterns indicative of breast cancer. (NNFA Today
1999:13;10). Accumulating evidence from molecular and cellular biology experiments,
animal studies, and to a limited extent, human clinical trials suggests that phytoestrogens
may potentially confer health benefits related to various cancers and cardiovascular
disorder (Suthar et al. 2001. Indian J Exp Biol 39(6):511-9).
There are many dietary factors that can help equip your body in the battle against breast
cancer. Dietary supplements can assist in attaining sufficient amounts of these
compounds. By practicing good dietary habits, including omega-3 fatty acids, GLA,
phytoestrogens, catecins, and fruits and vegetables, we can decrease the number of breast
cancer cases by 30%. It’s worth it!
Disclaimer: Please note that these articles are provided on good faith as educational
material, not as medical advice. All persons should seek the advice of a qualified
medical professional (e.g. physician, naturopath) before changing a treatment regime.