255, 180 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the US alone. This does not include 63,410 cases of non invasive breast cancer that is expected to be diagnosed in 2017. Breast cancer is the most common of cancers in women worldwide and only prevention through awareness, lifestyle and diet can protect you from it.
A new study has found a great means to prevent and reduce breast cancer by 40%. That is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet for breast cancer has just been proved by a meticulous and extensive study which tracked a whopping 60, 000 women over as period of 20 years. It discovered that a diet rich in fruit, veggies, fish, whole grains and olive oil could do much to reduce the aggression of breast cancer.
Consider this!! Even in the UK 53,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. That isn’t a joke as breast cancer is one of the most aggressive form of cancers affecting women worldwide and you need to prevent it.
The major study funded by the World Cancer research fund tracked women aged 55 and 69 for 30 years. Those who observed the Mediterranean diet for breast cancer showed a 40% reduction in the risk of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. 1 in 3 cases of breast cancer fall in this deadly category which can even progress to a fatal condition. It is the most aggressive form of breast cancer and deadlier than any other type of disease.
The Mediterranean diet consists of an increase in plant based proteins like nuts, lentils, beans, whole grains, fish and monounsaturated fats or good fats like olive oil. The diet is also low in refined grains such as white bread, white rice, red meat and sugar or sweets.
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In usual circumstances, the Mediterranean diet does not exclude a moderate consumption of alcohol. However the study excluded alcohol as it invites a risk of breast cancer and is linked to 12,000 cases of breast cancer per year. 40% of every type of cancer is due to poor lifestyle. Breast cancer is increased by weight, obesity, poor nutrition and diet, alcohol and smoking.
This is what Dr. Panagiota Mitrou, Director of Research Funding at World Cancer Research Fund, had to say: “This important study showed that following a dietary pattern like the Mediterranean Diet could help reduce breast cancer risk – particularly the subtype with a poorer prognosis. With breast cancer being so common in the UK, prevention is the key if we want to see a decrease in the number of women developing the disease”.
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The lead researcher of the study at Maastricht University, Professor Piet van den Brandt said
“We found a strong link between the Mediterranean Diet and reduced estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women, even in a non-Mediterranean population. This type of breast cancer usually has a worse prognosis than other types of breast cancer".
Most experts also felt that women should understand that even a healthy lifestyle combined with a proper diet and exercise may not totally prevent breast cancer, but the risk of the disease is reduced to a great extent. It is vital that women understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer where a regular health check up is advised in case of any concerns.
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One study found that a diet rich in soy could also prevent breast cancer. In fact soy can also help treat Irritable bowel disease. Stay tuned to this website for an article on how soy can reduce IBS. Soy is rich in isoflavones and scientists found that isoflavone rich foods could increase the survival rates of women being treated with estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. The same ingredients can also be found in foods such as Edamme, tofu, Miso soup and soy milk.
According to Doctor Dr. Esther John, of the Cancer Prevention Institute of California, "Our findings suggest that survival may be better in patients with a higher consumption of isoflavones.”
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All said and done, it isn’t hard to abide by the Mediterranean diet which is a healthy nutritious choice of food which is tasty too. The Mediterranean diet for breast cancer is an ideal choice that can also keep you fit and healthy and contribute to your weight loss programme. It is Olive oil which is the main ingredient in the Mediterranean diet combined with other ingredients that can keep most disease at bay.
Here is a video to help you know more about the Mediterranean diet.