Unfortunately, cancer is one of the diseases that has increased rapidly in recent years. There are many types of cancer, and the most common type in the world and in our country is breast cancer, and it ranks second in terms of mortality rate. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in both developed and developing countries and is an important public health problem, especially in high-income countries. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is very important in breast cancer. Successful treatments can be applied if it is detected early through self-examination, clinical examination and mammography. In addition, nutrition and physical activity also play a very important role in the treatment.
Early menstruation, nulliparity, having the first birth at a late age, short-term breastfeeding, and a family history of the disease are among the causes of breast cancer. In addition, lack of physical activity, obesity, and wrong eating habits are among the factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. The importance of nutrition increases, especially in hormone-related cancer types such as breast cancer.
Family history, early menstruation, etc. These conditions are beyond the control of individuals, but physical activity and nutrition are changeable factors and are effective both during and in preventing the disease.
EXCESS WEIGHT IS A RISK FACTOR
As in everything else, excess weight is a risk factor for developing the disease in breast cancer. Having individuals at their ideal weight is a factor that reduces the risk of the disease.
Nutrition and Breast Cancer
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FAT: It has been seen in many studies that a fat-rich diet increases the risk of breast cancer. However, although fat does not directly cause breast cancer, if consumed in excess, it accumulates in the body and causes excess weight. Since the risk of cancer in overweight individuals is higher than in individuals with normal weight, it is necessary to focus on preventing obesity rather than fat intake. Besides all these, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. EPA and DHA, especially found in oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, etc.) + olive oil spirit It is stated that polyunsaturated and saturated fats such as sunflower and hemp extract increase the risk of cancer.
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CARBOHYDRATE: As with fats, carbohydrates It is assumed that a carbohydrate-rich diet increases the risk of breast cancer. Likewise, excessive carbohydrate consumption leads to excess weight and therefore increases the risk. However, the important point here is the type of carbohydrate chosen. Instead of ready-made foods, fried foods and pastries, which we call Simple Carbohydrates, you should include complex carbohydrates such as whole grain products, fresh vegetables and fruits, and legumes in your diet. Complex carbohydrates regulate the intestines and have a positive effect against the disease due to their high fiber and fiber content. Legumes, especially peas, kidney beans and black-eyed peas, which are phytoestrogens that regulate estrogen metabolism in women, are protective against breast cancer, and phytates in wheat bran, rice, broad beans, soy, peanuts, barley, oats and corn are foods that should be added to the diet as complex carbohydrates that prevent breast cancer in the initial stages. Especially foods high in fiber and low in fat reduce the risk. The risk of cancer can be reduced with small changes such as consuming whole grain bread instead of white bread.
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PROTEIN: It has been observed that red meat consumption is high in countries where breast cancer is common. Foods consumed fried rather than baked, grilled or boiled increase the risk. In addition, the high amount of saturated fat in red meat is among the factors that increase the risk. For this reason, it is important that foods such as meat and milk consumed while taking protein are fat-free.
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ALCOHOL: As with all types of cancer, alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. Moreover, studies have shown that the risk increases as the amount of alcohol increases. As a preventive measure against cancer, alcohol consumption should be limited to no more than 1-2 drinks per day.
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FRUIT AND VEGETABLES: It is supported by studies that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of breast cancer. The fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals they contain have a protective effect. It has been proven that antioxidants, in particular, have a great role in the fight against cancer. It is very important to consume foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. The beneficial vitamins and minerals found in vegetables lose their effectiveness due to very high temperatures and incorrect cooking methods. For this reason, it is recommended that vegetables that can be consumed raw be cooked raw, and vegetables that cannot be consumed should be cooked without killing them until they become slightly soft.
THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED DURING TREATMENT
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decrease in the number of neutrophils If present, raw vegetables and fruits should be avoided by switching to a neutropenic diet. Prepared foods should have minimal contact and meals should be prepared in special pressure cookers.
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If you have mouth sores, you should stay away from bitter, spicy, fatty and sour foods.
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Depending on the treatment applied, you should pay attention to the side effects of the medications you use with food. Since there may be an interaction between grapefruit and hormonal drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, you should avoid consuming pomegranate and grapefruit during the disease and chemotherapy.
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If you have nausea, be careful to eat small and frequent meals. Make choices that will draw gastric juice and reduce nausea. Stay away from fatty and fried foods. Beverages such as tea and coffee increase nausea. Reduce the consumption of such drinks
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