Some of us might know someone who has breast cancer. When it comes to this topic, many women feel scared about the fact of having this type of cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. According to research, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.

Yes, it’s true – no single food is guaranteed to keep us cancer-free. However, research has shown that a balanced diet and cancer prevention go hand in hand. Therefore, it would make sense if we remove foods in our diet that increases our risk of having breast cancer. Check this out.

Foods To Avoid To Prevent Breast Cancer Development

Fats

Fat from processed foods can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. This fat is commonly present in processed foods such as cookies, donuts, crackers, fried foods, and packaged pastries. Fortunately, fats from vegetables and fruits are linked with a decreased risk.

Sweets

In a study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, results revealed that women who consumed more sweets (sweetened beverages, desserts, and added sugar) had a 27% increased risk of having breast cancer.

Sweets contain high levels of refined carbohydrates that are associated with high levels of blood sugar, thus forcing our body to release insulin. High levels of insulin encourage cancer cells to grow, and could, therefore, result in higher levels of estrogen, which may promote the development of breast cancer.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats that only increase cancer-promoting oxidation in the body. This includes safflower, sunflower, soybean and corn oil.

Grilled Meats

Grilling certain animal proteins to high temperatures can increase the development of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are mutagenic cancer-causing compounds. Frying and broiling to high temperatures also increase the levels of HCAs in meats.

It was reported by the American Institute for Cancer Research that red meat consumption increases the risk of both colorectal and breast cancer. Smoking and curing meat even add carcinogens.

Dairy

When it comes to maintaining production, most dairy farmers give their milk-producing animals with all kinds of hormones and chemicals that include rBGH.

Cow’s milk treated with rBGH has high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that is naturally present in humans and regulates cell differentiation and division. According to studies, increased levels of IGF-1 have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

High Fat Animal Products

Avoid having a fat diet. This will only lead to a rise in estrogen and prolactin levels, thus giving rise to hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer.

Instead of consuming the foods listed above, why not opt for fresh and organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These foods can make our body the healthiest that it can be, boost our immune system and help keep our risk for breast cancer as low as possible.