Did you know that breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer for females? Over 230,000 female breast cancers are reported in the United States every year. About 39,000 die from this disease. This disease, which used to affect only the elderly, is now affecting more women under 40.
A study that was published in Cancer Epidemiology revealed that breast cancer cases increase by one percent each year. Before, this cancer is very rare among young women. But now, it has become a leading cause of death among them.
The study, performed by a team of researchers from Italy and France, involved trends in breast cancer among women under 40 in countries like France, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and Italy. The trends were over an 18-year time frame. Researchers explain that this can be caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Speaking of lifestyle choices, the best way to prevent breast cancer or any type of cancer is by making healthy choices in food and habits. Listed above are some of the cancer-fighting foods that you should eat more often.
Cruciferous vegetables are packed with phytonutrients, which can effectively stop cancer cells from forming and spreading. They also promote production of a type of estrogen that doesn’t cause breast cancer. Dark green leafy veggies meanwhile are rich in folate. This is a form of vitamin B known to strengthen DNA and lower risk of cancer.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a popular antioxidant that inhibits the formation of cancer cells in the breast. It’s best to cook tomatoes before eating since the body absorbs lycopene more easily when tomatoes have been heated.
Apart from healthy diet, it’s also a must to reduce alcohol consumption, engage in regular physical exercise, limit hormone therapy, and maintain proper body weight. Breastfeeding can also help, according to a study from University of Granada in Spain. The findings published in Journal of Clinical Nursing, showed that breastfeeding for a minimum of six months can reduce risk of breast cancer, among non-smoking women.
Start making healthy choices today, and reap the benefits tomorrow.
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