LifeCare Dietitian, Ms Au Pui Yee
5th September, 2022
Understanding Breast Cancer:
The General Eating Guidelines for Prevention
Statistics
- About one in 19 women in Malaysia are at risk of getting breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer affecting women in this country, with Chinese women seeming to be at greatest risk, with an incidence of 59.7 per 100,000, followed by Indian women (55.8 per 100,000) and Malay women (33.9 per 100,000)
- This translates into 1 in 16 Chinese, 1 in 16 Indian and 1 in 28 Malay women developing breast cancer at some stage in their lives
Risk Factors of Breast Cancers
Debunking cancer food myths!
Can superfoods prevent cancer, including breast cancer?
Ever heard of people calling blueberries, broccoli, green tea, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables ‘superfoods’? This word is used to describe foods that supposedly improve health and prevent diseases like cancer, but this is not backed up by science.
It’s true that a healthy, balanced diet can help to reduce the risk of cancer, but it is unlikely that any single food will make much of a difference on its own.
Which of these increases the risk of breast cancer?
Myth
- Eggs
- Burnt food (Acrylamide)
- Soy / Soy products
- Sugar (including refined sugar, artificial sweeteners)
- BPA-lined canned/tinned food
Conclusion: There is inadequate evidence to say these foods cause breast cancer.
- Burnt food (Acrylamide)
- Soy / Soy products
- Sugar (including refined sugar, artificial sweeteners)
- BPA-lined canned/tinned food
Conclusion: There is inadequate evidence to say these foods cause breast cancer.
Fact
- Red meat
- Processed meats
- Alcohol
Conclusion: Red meat and processed meat are carcinogenic; it means that they could increase the risk of other cancers in general. In addition, the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Processed meats
- Alcohol
Conclusion: Red meat and processed meat are carcinogenic; it means that they could increase the risk of other cancers in general. In addition, the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.
Healthy diet tips from a dietitian:
