Life Over Cancer Blog

Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

There is a growing body of evidence that diet plays a significant role in helping prevent a recurrence of breast cancer.  For example, fat intake has been linked to recurrence and shortened survival rates in cancer patients.  We also know that reducing the amount of fat you eat can have the opposite effect.  In the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study, which looked at 2,437 postmenopausal breast cancer patients, when fat intake in their diets was reduced to 20 percent or less, risk of recurrence was cut by an impressive 24 percent.  Among women who had low or no estrogen receptors (referred to as estrogen negative), the low-fat diet was even more effective.  This group showed a 42% reduction in breast cancer recurrence.

When it Comes to Nutrition Say "No" to GMOs

Once again our intrepid food manufacturers have a better idea.  From the same folks who gave us high fructose corn syrup; nitrates and other food preservatives; food colorings; pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that increase yields but not nutrition; additives to harden crops, reduce spoilage and increase shelf life, and hormones to add bulk and yields; behold - genetically engineered food, also known as GMOs.  Yes that's right; apparently Mother Nature got it wrong – again!

I won't detail all of the items I listed above that compromise food quality, while increasing the risk of diseases, including cancer, but suffice it to say that expensive marketing programs and bright packaging can often disguise what's really going on.  Which brings me back to this latest great idea: GMOs, also known as "Franken food."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  According to the American Cancer Society, in 2010, approximately 261,100 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 39,840 will die from the disease.  Though these statistics are sobering, research suggests that there are diet and lifestyle choices that can reduce a woman’s risk of a breast cancer diagnosis, including: