Breast cancer is a malignant growth within the breast tissue. It is the 5th most common cause of death because of cancer, even as; it is the 2nd commonest cause of cancer, after lung cancer.

Causes of Breast Cancer

The commonest predisposing factors for carcinoma of the breast are:

1. A personal history of breast cancer increases the likelihood of developing a tumor in the other breast as well.
2. Family history of breast cancer.
3. A diet that is high in fat is linked to breast cancer.
4. Excessive intake of alcohol and smoking are other significant causes of breast cancer.
5. Obesity increases the chances considerably.
6. Surgery carried out on the breast and the insertion of breast implants raises the risk substantially.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Breast Cancer Prognosis

Regular check ups and examinations with the gynecologist and mammograms taken every year help make an early diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is identified; faster can the treatment be started, better will be the prognosis of the case.

Breast Cancer Prevention and Breast Cancer Recurrence

Diminishing or cutting down the formation of free radicals in the body is the sole way of averting the disease. Cancer occurs when the free radicals impair / damage the cell’s DNA. Consequently, decreasing free radical formation in the body is the most important aspect in the battle against cancer.

Here’s how to decrease the formation of free radicals in the body:

• Limit your exposure to environmental, dietary and lifestyle carcinogens. Steer clear of cigarette smoke (even second-hand smoke), fatty foods, and alcohol.
• Boost your daily intake of foods that supply powerful anti-oxidants that annihilate the free radicals.
• When one has a history (personal / family) of breast cancer, eating a wholesome and nutritious diet wards off the disease and / or recurrences.

Breast Cancer Diet: Foods that Fight Breast Cancer

There is an array of foods that help prevent breast cancer, by enhancing the overall levels of immunity and also reducing free radical damage.

• Broccoli is loaded with glucosinolates and sulphoraphane; these promote the excretion of that form of estrogen that is associated with breast cancer. Additionally, clinical trials have stated that sulphoraphane extracts can radically decrease the size, and numbers of tumors.
• Tomatoes contain lycopene which is a strong anti-oxidant. Lycopene offsets the damaging oxygen free radicals, before they impair the DNA of the cells.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that safeguards the healthy cells in the body from oxidative damage. Research says, turmeric helps the body destroy mutated cancer cells, so that they do not cause metastasis / spread through the body. Boosting the consumption of turmeric lowers the deleterious effect of second-hand smoke, a vital environmental free radical, accountable for breast cancer.