About one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer by the age of 95. Genetics play a strong role, but in some cases, lifestyle and dietary factors can cause the cancer to develop.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that by 2020 that the number of breast cancer cases will jump to an alarming figure and one in every eight women would run the risk of developing the disease in her lifetime.
Diet may even play a greater role than weight management in breast cancer prevention.
"Overweight women who exercise 150 minutes a week and eat lots of fruits and veggies have a lower risk of breast cancer than normal-weight women who are sedentary and have a low intake of fruits and veggies," nutritionist Mary Marian, MS, RD, CSO, a research specialist and lecturer at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, told Everydayhealth.com.
Here are some foods that may help prevent breast cancer or, once the cancer has developed, prevent it from spreading, according to the report.
Berries
They're delicious and good for you, so there's no reason not to enjoy berries as much as possible. Berries, especially strawberries and raspberries, are high in ellagic acid, a phytochemical that has been shown to prevent skin, bladder, lung, esophagus, and breast cancers.
Beans
Fiber-rich foods have been shown to reduce breast cancer risk - for every 10 grams of fiber ,breast cancer risk decreased by seven percent. If you're not a fan of beans, check out these other foods that are high in fiber.
Pomegranate
This is highly recommended for preventing breast cancer. It contains polyphenol- an ellagic acid with anti-oxidant properties that prevent cancer growth. Include this delicious fruit in your diet and discover effective health benefits.
Salmon
A great source of omega-3s and vitamins B12 and D, salmon can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. In fact, certain types of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) are proven effective in cancer treatment.
Apples
An apple a day may keep breast cancer away - but there's a catch. If you normally peel your apple and toss away the colorful wrapping, you're also tossing away a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, and other compounds needed for anti-cancer nutrition. Lab studies show that apple peel can actually fight the spread of cancer cells.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain many helpful nutrients and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body fight inflammation. Research also suggests that walnuts may actually slow the growth of breast cancer tumors, so this tasty nut could play a role in breast cancer management even after diagnosis.
Green tea
Consumption on a regular basis has been linked to lower incidence of breast cancer. The phyto-chemicals in green tea can well take the credit for its health benefits. One to two cups of green tea daily can help you keep cancer at bay.
Peppers
Most have some phytochemical or nutrient that will help fight cancer. Chilli and jalapeno peppers have capsaicin that fight the growth rate of cancer cells. Green peppers are rich in chlorophyll which can bind cancer-causing carcinogens found in the gut. Red peppers have both capsaicin and antioxidant carotenoids.
Turmeric
A spice commonly found in our country cancer-fighting compound called curcumin can inhibit many types of cancer cells, including breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and skin cancer. A pinch of turmeric fights toughest of cancer-causing cells.
Broccoli
Breast cancer survivors may be able to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence if they eat a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, a recent study found. Compounds in cruciferous vegetables, called sulforaphane, may help fight the spread of tumors
Tomatoes
A recent study found that fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids may reduce your risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer by 20 percent. Red and orange fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenoids, so opt for produce like tomatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe in your diet.
Avocados
Avocados are high in oleic acid, which studies have found to prevent cancer.
Red Wine
Consumed in moderation, red wine is believed to lower the risk of breast cancer. However, drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day may increase the risk of breast cancer so moderation is the key.Red wine has also been found to significantly reduce the effects of radiation in women undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. One study found that the resveratrol in red wine makes the cancer cells more susceptible to radiation treatment while protecting the healthy cells from damage.