The Best Foods for Breast Cancer

In addition to other contributing factors, dietary choices may effect the development of breast cancer. There is considerable evidence that avoiding fatty foods can help prevent the disease, as well as eating foods that are rich in cancer-fighting vitamins, minerals and chemicals. Additionally, certain foods may diminish the recurrence of breast cancer and lessen the adverse effects of treatment once diagnosed with the disease. While eating foods loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients may stave off breast cancer, maintaining a healthy diet is key.

The Facts
According to Medical News Today, breast cancer is the seventh leading cause of mortality in the United States and results in approximately 41,000 deaths each year. Although genetic factors are important, there is considerable evidence that breast cancer risk is related to modifiable lifestyle factors, including dietary choices. While no single food or food substances can protect you against breast cancer, scientists believe that the right combination of foods may.

Preventative Foods
According to a new study conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research/World Cancer Research Fund (AICR/WCRF), there is a link between body fat and the development of breast cancer. Therefore, to help prevent breast cancer, one should consume foods low in fat and calories. Also, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are especially rich in vitamins, minerals and chemicals that prevent the development of cancer. Specifically, green, yellow, orange and red vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots contain substances which help to fight cancer. Red fruits such as tomatoes and watermelon are a source of lycopene, a cancer-fighting agent. Berries and green tea are rich sources of antioxidants. Additionally, flax, fish, beans, soy and nuts all contain nutrients which help to fight breast cancer.

Post-Diagnosis Foods
In addition to eating at least five servings of fruits or vegetables everyday, according to The Diet Channel, those that have already been diagnosed with breast cancer should replace white or processed carbohydrates with whole grain varieties to increase B vitamins and fiber. Post-diagnosis, patients should also eat two to three servings of low fat dairy daily because cancer treatment may negatively effect bone health. It is important to incorporate calcium-rich foods into one’s diet. Lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans should be incorporated into meals to ensure an adequate amount of protein is consumed.

Foods to Avoid
Because of the link between obesity and breast cancer, ReduceBreastCancerRisk.com recommends that saturated fats found in meats, whole-fat dairy products, vegetable shortening and coconut and palm oils, as well as trans fats in fried foods, pastries, margarine, cookies, chips, crackers and many processed foods should be avoided. Additionally, because alcohol may act to promote cancer by depleting folic acid, having more than one drink a day increases one’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Considerations
According to the AICR/WCRF study, over 70,000 U.S. breast cancer cases could be prevented each year by dietary changes. Breast cancer rates vary in different parts of the world, and the incidence seems to be associated with the amount of fat in the diet. Even more striking, when women move from a country where the diet is low in fat to a country where fat consumption is higher, their risk for breast cancer increases. While foods rich in cancer-fighting vitamins, minerals and chemicals also help to prevent breast cancer, maintaining a healthy diet appears to be a key component in warding off the disease.

How to Recognize Stomach Cancer Symptoms

It's important to recognize stomach cancer symptoms to get the treatment needed. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer is not as common in the United States, as it is in other parts of the world. Stomach cancer symptoms tend to go ignored often, because others figure they're suffering from other stomach problems. There are a few different causes of stomach cancer. The most common type of stomach cancer is known as adenocarcinoma.

Stomach cancer can be genetic. If you have family members who have a history of stomach cancer, then you might be at risk. Since signs of stomach cancer usually aren't noticeable until it's advanced, you should get regular checkups from your doctor. Especially if you're past the age of 40. Those past the the age of 40 are more prone to stomach cancer. Those who are at risk of stomach cancer are heavy smokers, heavy drinkers, too much sodium in one's diet, lack of antioxidants in diet, and pernicious anemia. Stomach cancer treatment consists of surgery, usually resulting in losing your stomach.

Tips

1. Identify possible stomach cancer symptoms. Symptoms of stomach cancer results in loose stool, constant bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, abdominal pain, dark stool, blood in stool, diarrhea and indigestion. Stomach cancer symptoms can be common symptoms of other stomach problems. However, if symptoms continue you should get an appointment with your doctor. It might not be stomach cancer. You might still need treatment if its some other kind of stomach problem.

2. Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber takes harmful toxins out of your body. Dietary fiber is good for your digestive system. Eating good amounts of fiber can help prevent stomach cancer. Foods high in fiber are wheat, corn, raspberries, mustard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, bran, legumes, barley, rye and oats. Eating white bread can increase your chance of cancer. Switch to wheat or rye bread instead.

3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contains high amount of antioxidants. Those who don't get enough antioxidants into their diet increase risk of cancer. Specific fruits high in vitamin C should be added to your diet. Strawberries, oranges, lemon, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, grapefruit, watermelon, pineapple, and blueberries. Eat a lot of green leaf vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, and swiss chard.

4. Take vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E can help fight off free radical attacks. Vitamin E is a healthy vitamin for digestion, and is anti-cancer. Taking vitamin E regularly can reduce your chance of cancer. Talk to your doctor about vitamin E supplements if you're on prescribed medications.

5. Avoid a lot of alcohol, smoking, and limit saturated fats. Drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking, and eating foods high in saturated fats can lead to stomach cancer, and other forms of cancer. Drink more green tea, since it helps boost the immune system. Replace saturated and trans fats with omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats.

How to Prevent Cancer Naturally

Cancer in all its forms is one of the most deadly, but least understood diseases. It's estimated that genetic predispositions account for about 15 percent of a person's likelihood of contracting the disease. That means about 85 percent of cancers are linked to lifestyle choices and environmental conditions. With a single cure for cancer proving elusive, many are turning to prevention as the best remedy. Preventing cancer through natural methods involves consuming substances that can help the body stop cancer from forming, avoiding carcinogens and promoting all around health.

Tips

1. Have a glass of wine. Studies published in the journal "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology" have shown a glass of red wine a day might reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men by half. Additional research on animals published in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry" suggests the phytochemicals in red wine can have beneficial effects on prevention and treatment of leukemia, skin and breast cancers (see resources below). This is because the skin and seeds of grapes contain a polyphenol compound called resveratrol that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants prevent and repair the damage to cells that can make them susceptible to irregular growths, which can become cancer. Red wine is made from the skin of grapes, which contains resveratrol, and has more polyphenols than white wine.

2. Eat antioxidant-rich fruits and drink green tea. In addition to grapes, several other berries contain high levels of polyphenol compounds that have been shown to prevent cancer. At the top of the list is the acai berry, a fruit native to South America. Also high in cancer-fighting chemicals are blueberries and raspberries. Fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables generally contain antioxidant compounds, like bioflavonoids, not present in most processed foods. Green tea, when freshly brewed, is also an excellent source of antioxidants.

3. Indulge in dark chocolate. Rich in antioxidant flavonoids, dark chocolate enjoyed a renaissance when the cancer-fighting properties of these compounds were heralded. A specific flavonoid, called pentamer, is present in cocoa, and has been shown to suppress division of tumor cells by deactivating certain related proteins. It's debated whether eating chocolate can deliver these flavonoids in sufficient quantities to prevent cancer, but dark chocolate, which has the highest content of cocoa, is the best source.

4. Supplement with selenium. Whereas antioxidants work to minimize and repair the damage of free radicals on individual cells, the mineral selenium has been shown to reduce the production of free radicals. The recommended dose of selenium is 200 micrograms a day, but most Americans get between 60 and 100 micrograms from dietary sources. Selenium intake can be increased through supplements or increasing your consumption of mushrooms, egg yolks, seafood, poultry, kidney, liver, red meat, garlic, onions, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, whole grains, and seeds--all of which contain the mineral in relative abundance.

5. Get enough exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking five times per week is enough exercise to help prevent cancer. Research shows that exercise helps the body regulate blood sugar, insulin levels, and the production of sex hormones, all of which have been indicated as risk factors related to increased rates of cell growth that can lead to the initiation of cancer. Regular exercise also promotes a healthy immune system, and is highly recommended for those already diagnosed with cancer.

6. Avoid risk factors. Unfortunately, avoiding environmental toxins can be one of the hardest parts of preventing cancer. Exposure to toxic chemicals can come through obvious interaction with pollution or waste, or through more subtle means like cosmetics, hair dyes, shampoos and deodorants. Other risk factors for cancer include prolonged hormone therapy, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and diets high in animal fats.

How to Recognize Cancer Symptoms for Women

If you are a woman you should take your health very seriously. Many woman fail to detect the early signs of Cancer and it will eventually cost them their lives. Many times when caught early Cancer can be treated for women. Here is a check list to help you recognize Cancer Symptoms in women. Make sure you refer to this checklist from time to time to see if you have Cancer Symptoms. Also if you are at all concerned you may have Cancer see the advice and expertise of a trained professional.

Tips

1. Wheezing or shortness of breath - Possible Lung Cancer

Look for shortness of breath similar to asthma. This will be noticeable if you are looking for it but could be overlooked if you are not paying attention to recognize cancer symptoms.

2. Chronic cough or chest pain - Possible Lung tumors or leukemia

Look for a persistent cough or a repeated cycle to the coughing. Also look for pain that goes from the chest down the arm or to the shoulder.

3. Frequent fevers or infections - Possible Leukemia

Look for a fever because of your body's inability to fight off infections. This is usually diagnosed after a long period of flu like symptoms with fever and achiness.

4. Problems swallowing - Throat Cancer

Look for problems swallowing. This can also be a sign of lung cancer.

5. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Swollen lumps on the neck, underarm or groin - Leukemia or problems with the lymphatic system.

These can be signs of breast cancer when swelling is in the glands of the underarm. These are usually painless lumps.

6. Excessive bruising or bleeding that will not stop - Early signs of leukemia

Look for bruising in unusual places or bruising more than you would in the past. Also bleeding in the gums could be a sign of problems with the blood platelets and red blood cells which could be a sign of Cancer.

7. Constant weak and tired feeling - Multiple Cancer's

If you have weakness or tiredness that is unexplainable and does not change if you allow your body more sleep you should consult a doctor. This is signs something is not right with your body and it could be Cancer.

8. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Weight gain in the abdominal area - tight pants - Ovarian Cancer

This is different than the regular bloating you would see with PMS, this weight gain will come on pretty suddenly and will come and go over a long period of time.

9. Full feeling and not able to eat - Ovarian Cancer

When women feel full and have not eaten for some time. This is usually seen with the weight gain or tight pants syndrome.

10. Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area - Ovarian Cancer or Leukemia

This one is hard to spot since pain in the pelvic can be a symptom of many things. Make sure you take into consideration the other symptoms you have and if your uncertain see a doctor immediately.

11. Cancer Symptoms for Women
These are just a few things you should take into consideration when looking for Cancer symptoms.
Make sure you consult a doctor for medical advice.

How to Treat Blood Cancer

Blood cancer has three major forms: leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Leukemia is characterized by the unrestrained proliferation of the blood cells, while lymphoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of the lymphocytes (a major constituent of the immune system) and multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer which originates in the plasma cells present in the bone marrow. Unfortunately there is no complete cure for blood cancer, so the major aim of doctors is to control the proliferation of the malignant cells and thus control the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

Tips

1. Watch for the symptoms of blood cancer in order to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Common symptoms include high fever and chills, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, tiny red spots on the skin, easy bruising and extreme tiredness.

2. Get a qualified doctor's opinion as to whether a bone marrow transplant is a viable option to treat blood cancer in your case. A bone marrow transplant involves the replacing your affected and abnormal stem cells with healthier ones taken from a donor. Blood stem cells are generally located in your bone marrow, so such a transplant often prevents the subsequent spreading and metastasis of the malignant cells.

3. Consider radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy. It involves the use of high powered beams like gamma rays and X rays to focus on the malignant cancer cells. Radiotherapy is typically administered in a hospital and may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy or may be administered alone.

4. Try chemotherapy. This involves the administration of anti-cancer medications like interleukin and pacitaxel through the veins in order to kill the cancerous cells.

5. Let your immune system treat blood cancer with the help of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, works by bolstering your immune system with artificial forms of the normal components of the immune system. The American Cancer Society predicts that immunotherapy will spur future advances in the field of treating cancer.

Tuberculosis Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer is a serious disease that can be life threatening. There are a number of treatments for bladder cancer. The progression of the tumor will determine the type of treatment that is used to cure it. Tuberculosis cells can be used as a bladder cancer treatment.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a virus that usually effects the lungs. The tuberculosis bacilli, which is the young form of tuberculosis, is carried in the air, transferred from person to person by coughing, sneezing, breathing and talking. The bacteria sits in the lungs, where it may develop into the full-blown virus. The World Health Organization states that only 5 to 10 percent of people infected with the tuberculosis bacilli later develop the disease.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the development of a tumor in the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) accounts for about 90 percent of bladder cancers, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Most examples of TCC are noninvasive, which means that the tumor is confined to the bladder wall. However, some cases of TCC become severe and invade the muscle wall of the bladder. Bladder cancer makes urination difficult, and can cause blood to appear in the urine. You may notice that the frequency of urination rises significantly.

Tuberculosis Treatment
If the bladder cancer is noninvasive, the tumor is easily removed using a minimally invasive instrument called a cystoscope. If there is a high chance of the noninvasive tumor recurring, the bladder will be treated with inactivated tuberculosis bacilli (bacilli that have been killed with heat or chemicals so that they do not cause tuberculosis but still elicit an immune system response). This causes inflammation of the wall of the bladder, which controls the growth of a tumor. This treatment is performed once a week for six weeks; then the bladder will be checked for tumor recurrence once a month using a cystoscope. This treatment is called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy.

Complications
In rare cases, BCG therapy can cause tuberculosis-like symptoms to flare up. Any lung-related problems during therapy, such as coughing and bringing up blood, should be discussed with your doctor. If this happens, you will be treated with antibiotics. Tuberculosis can take a long time to cure, so patience is important. While BCG therapy is effective, there is still a chance that a tumor will recur.

Considerations
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of bladder cancer. BCG therapy is not a cure for bladder cancer, but is used to treat a bladder that has been affected by cancer.

Top Rated Cancer Treatment Centers

Cancer treatment centers provide a place for those diagnosed with cancer to receive care from oncology experts. Treatment centers are usually on the cutting edge of research and technology. But in a field of excellence, a few treatment centers have managed to distinguish themselves as the cream of the crop.

Statistics
As of 2010, 40 cancer treatment centers in the United States have been designated by the National Cancer Institute as comprehensive cancer centers. These centers have been singled out because they offer state-of-the-art research programs aimed at preventing, treating and curing cancer.

History
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, founded as the New York Cancer Hospital in 1884, is the country's oldest cancer treatment center. And it turns out, it is also one of the country's best.

Geography
If you have to travel to get to the best cancer treatment center near you, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge program may be able to help. Cancer patients can stay at a Hope Lodge at no charge while undergoing treatment away from their homes.

Considerations
"U.S. News & World Report" ranked cancer treatment centers on several factors, including reputation among oncology specialists, mortality rate, nurse staffing ratio and access to cutting-edge technologies.

The Five Best
According to a study done by "U.S. News & World Report," the following cancer centers are the top five in the nation: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

Top 10 Cancer Hospitals

University Of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
This 507-bed cancer facility is located in Houston and it accredited by the Joint Commission. The center aims to eliminate cancer through patient care and research. MD Anderson Cancer Center is well known for its surgeons and for treating all types of cancer.

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

1515 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77030

(713) 792-2121 ‎

e-mail: jtietjen@mdanderson.org

mdanderson.org

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is a 434-bed cancer facility. The cancer center is well known around the world for providing excellent care facilities and treatment. The center is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

East Drive

New York, NY 10024

(212) 639-2000 ‎

mskcc.org

Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a 1,302-bed general medical and surgical facility. The non-for-profit organization has been serving patient needs for more than 100 years. With more than 3,700 physicians and 49,000 medical support staff, the clinic aims to give the best service to its its patients. Mayo Clinic oncologists treat almost all types of cancer.

Mayo Clinic

200 1st St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905-0001

(507) 284-9669 ‎

mayoclinic.org

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
This 925-bed general medical and surgical facility is accredited by the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a part of the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

600 N Wolfe St.

Baltimore, MD 21287

(410) 516-7159 ‎

e-mail: eschaeffer@jhmi.edu

hopkinsmedicine.org

University of Washington Medical Center
The 389-bed general medical and surgical facility is accredited by the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

University of Washington Medical Center

325 9th Avenue

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 598-7688 ‎

uwmedicine.washington.edu

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a 27-bed cancer facility accredited by the Joint Commission. The institute is a part of a Comprehensive Cancer Center network and is a major affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Dana-Farber is supported by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and many private foundations and individuals.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

44 Binney Street

Boston, MA 02115

(617) 632-3000 ‎

e-mail: dana-FarberContactUs@dfci.harvard.edu

dana-farber.org

Massachusetts General Hospital
The 907-bed general medical and surgical facility and teaching center is accredited by the Joint Commission. The Center for Cancers offers patients access to some of the best treatments in the country.

Massachusetts General Hospital

55 Fruit Street

Boston, MA 02114-2696

(617) 726--2000

massgeneral.org

University of California, San Francisco Medical Center
The 642-bed facility is located in San Francisco but attracts patients from all over the country. The center treats almost 18 cancer specializations in children and adults.

University of California, San Francisco Medical Center

500 Parnassus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94143-0296

(415) 476--1000

ucsfhealth.org

Cleveland Clinic
The 1210-bed cancer facility is accredited by the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The clinic was opened in 1921 when four renowned physicians got together to offer highest quality patient care with specialized research and education. The center was popularized when it came up with the development of the 'no-touch' technique to prevent spreading of cancer cells during colorectal surgery, and the first coronary angiography. The cancer specialization center has 250 full-time specialists.

Cleveland Clinic

9500 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44195-5108

(216) 444--2200

clevelandclinic.org

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is a 595-bed facility that is located in Los Angeles on the campus of University of California and is accredited by the Joint Commission. The center was founded in late 1960s and aims to offer mesothelioma care. The cancer center employs more than 200 doctors and scientists.

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

757 Westwood Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90095

(310) 825--9111

uclahealth.org

Top Rated Cancer Treatment Centers

Cancer treatment centers provide a place for those diagnosed with cancer to receive care from oncology experts. Treatment centers are usually on the cutting edge of research and technology. But in a field of excellence, a few treatment centers have managed to distinguish themselves as the cream of the crop.

Statistics
As of 2010, 40 cancer treatment centers in the United States have been designated by the National Cancer Institute as comprehensive cancer centers. These centers have been singled out because they offer state-of-the-art research programs aimed at preventing, treating and curing cancer.

History
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, founded as the New York Cancer Hospital in 1884, is the country's oldest cancer treatment center. And it turns out, it is also one of the country's best.

Geography
If you have to travel to get to the best cancer treatment center near you, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge program may be able to help. Cancer patients can stay at a Hope Lodge at no charge while undergoing treatment away from their homes.

Considerations
"U.S. News & World Report" ranked cancer treatment centers on several factors, including reputation among oncology specialists, mortality rate, nurse staffing ratio and access to cutting-edge technologies.

The Five Best
According to a study done by "U.S. News & World Report," the following cancer centers are the top five in the nation: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

early detection of lung cancer

Of all the things that are unknown about lung cancer, one thing is clear: Early lung cancer detection is key to survival. Those who are fortunate enough to have the cancer detected before it has the chance to spread have a survivability rate of approximately 50 percent. For cancers that have spread, the survivability rate goes down to 2 percent. Early lung cancer detection is especially problematic because there are no universally-approved methods, though there are several options.

Recognizing Symptoms
For those who have symptoms of lung cancer -- such as a persistent cough, sputum in the cough, and difficulty breathing -- getting to the doctor for a test is recommended. Lung cancer can strike at nearly any age, though it is more prevalent in those over the age of 60 or in those who have a history of smoking. Some types of work environments have also been known to cause lung cancer, such as those with asbestos and microwave popcorn plants.

Consulting a Doctor
Talking with a doctor is the next step. The doctor will review your medical history, ask a few questions and perhaps offer a referral to an oncologist. This is specialist in the medical field who is trained to treat cancer patients. Many insurance carriers will require a visit to a primary care provider before offering services. The primary care provider will then offer a referral. It is important the oncologist is part of your insurance program.

Tests
There are a number of ways an individual can be tested for cancer. CT scans take a picture of the chest. Doctors can analyze this picture and determine if cancer is a concern. A bronchoscopy is another test that involves inserting a tube with a small camera attached into the lungs for an examination. Sputum can also be examined for the presence of cancer cells. In some cases, once one test is completed, there may be a follow-up test done of a different type to confirm the suspicions.

Other Tests
If the tests confirm cancer, there is a good chance that follow-up tests will be done to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is why early detection is so important. If the cancer has not yet spread to other areas of the body, there is a good chance of treatment and containment. Further the treatment options are also more diverse if lung cancer is detected early.

Treatment Options for Early Lung Cancer
Though most people understand there is the possibility of chemotherapy and radiation, there are other types of treatments that are often done if detected early. Surgery is often one of the most effective options. This also offers one of the quickest ways to get rid of the cancer. Radiation may also be an option, but has more side effects and often takes longer.

How to Eat to Prevent Breast Cancer

The truth is, we are miles away from any guaranteed protection against
breast cancer. But, at this point, we can look at improving our odds by including (and avoiding) certain foods and nutrients in our diet. The groundbreaking report from the American Institute of Cancer Research (Food, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective, 1997) noted which foods, based on research results thus far, probably or possibly decreased breast cancer risk and which foods/components probably or possibly increased risk. You'll find many of their conclusions in the 10 Steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Carotenoid-rich food
• Fiber
• Monounsaturated fats

Tips

1. Enjoy more fruits. They contribute powerful antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber.

2. Enjoy more vegetables. They contribute other powerful antioxidants, phytochemicals and they also contribute fiber.

3. Work a Carotenoid-rich food into your day (cantaloupe, mango, beet greens, butternut squash, chili peppers, dandelion greens, dock/sorrel greens, hubbard squash, kale, mustard greens, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, swiis chard, turnip greens, winter squash, and yams).

4. Eat more fiber, especially from whole grains. Phytochemicals found in whole grains have been found to reduce risk of breast and colon cancers in animal studies.

5. Keep fat, saturated fat, and animal fat moderate. Researchers are still trying to figure out if and how the amount of fat (as well as the types of fat) in our food changes our risk for breast cancer. Results from animal studies have suggested the possibility that the amount and type of fat we eat could encourage or discourage certain breast tumors.

6. Switch to monounsaturated fats. Research has been showing that monounsaturated oils, such as olive and canola oil, do not have many cancer-promoting effects (Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 97:16, 1997).

7. Drink little or no alcohol. At least 50 studies show that alcohol may play a role in breast cancer risk.

8. Emphasize variety in food choices. Eating various foods will give many different nutrients and helpful phytochemicals.

9. Try to keep extra weight off as you age. A Harvard University study showed that women who gained 44 to 55 pounds after age 18 had almost double the risk of developing breast cancer following menopause, compared with women who had gained only a few pounds.

10. Get bitten by the fitness bug! (or)

11. Try to exercise at least 4 hours a week--even if it is just walking. Some studies have found a reduced risk of breast cancer among women who exercise regularly or who were athletic as adolescents.