5 foods that help lower your risk of breast cancer

You’ve heard that eating a healthy diet can help stave off or improve certain medical conditions—such as heart disease and diabetes, but did you know that certain foods can help lower the risk of breast cancer in certain individuals? Talk to your provider about how the following foods may help in your individual situation:

• Berries contain antioxidants that help protect, repair, and slow the spread of cancer cells.
• Spinach includes antioxidants that destroy free radicals.
• Broccoli is made up of a nutrient called sulforaphane, which is also found in kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. Sulforaphane can help block cancerous DNA mutations, slow tumor growth, and reduce the ability of cancerous cells to multiply.
• Yogurt contains probiotics which can help strengthen the body’s immune system and better fight off infection and disease.
• Tuna has omega-3 fatty acids that are believed to slow the growth of tumor cells and reduce inflammation.

While maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help reduce your risk of breast cancer, it is not the only factor. Other ways to reduce your risk include staying physically active (going to the gym, attending a fitness class, or getting outside and walking around the block), drinking alcohol in moderation, and scheduling your annual screening mammogram and your GYN appointments.

If you are in need of a GYN provider, Mercy Women First is accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment today at Women’s Care at Mercy Fitzgerald.