The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, according to the most recent information available (from 2005), breast cancer is the number one cause of death in Hispanic women and the second most common in every other racial group. For 2008, The American Cancer Society estimated 184,450 new cases of breast cancer in both sexes. Because of the important threat that this condition poses as a cause for death, it is advised that women practice a simple, tactile examination of their breasts at home in order to find any lumps or inconsistencies in their breasts. Any physician or OB-GYN can quickly train a woman on how best to conduct this test. If you are currently undergoing a hormone replacement therapy, you should seriously consider consulting bioidentical hormones doctors; experts have found there is a higher risk of breast cancer among women who take synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones pose no such threat.

In addition to screening and examinations, other ways to defend against breast cancer are diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

In general, antioxidants are considered beneficial in the fight against cancer or any other degenerative disease. There are, however, other beneficial nutrients that every woman – and certainly every woman diagnosed with breast cancer – should include in her diet.

If you are or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should be more assertive in including certain ingredients. The following is a summary of these. The ones marked with an asterisk are considered more important and beneficial for someone at high risk of breast cancer.

• ANTIOXIDANTS *

Flax seed oil, preferably cold-pressed, is a very good source of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids

• LYCOPENE

This substance is contained in tomatoes, grapefruit, and guavas, among other produce. Its cancer-fighting reputation has been known for some time

• FATTY ACIDS*

Fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, contain omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids

• ANTHOCYANINS (Antioxidant flavonoids)*

You can get these from blackberries, raspberries, and the like. Eggplant is also an excellent source

• GO NUTS*

Nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, and fiber. All very beneficial in cancer prevention and fighting

• DARK VEGGIES*

Spinach is a good example, so is broccoli. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of beta-carotenes, calcium, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin K.

• CITRUS FRUITS

Of course, here we’re looking for vitamin C and fiber.

• WHOLE GRAINS*

Eat only whole grain cereal, bread, crackers, etc. Your intake of soluble fiber (fiber that is soluble in water) should increase markedly.

• LOW FAT DAIRY

Certain nutrients in dairy have been found to help in cancer fighting and prevention. In particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

• MISCELLANEOUS

Shiitake mushrooms, green tea, beans, and chickpeas should form a part of your diet.

In general, the rule is you should take a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.

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