Completely avoiding sugar does not guarantee protection against breast cancer. However, reducing processed and sugary foods in the diet can reduce the risk of developing this disease, according to Rush University Medical Center (USA) MD. Shelly Loy, a mammologist at the Anderson Cancer Center, said in an interview with MedicalXpress.
The specialist noted that breast cancer risk factors are divided into controllable and uncontrollable.
"Age, family history and genetic predisposition to breast cancer cannot be influenced," the specialist notes.
Age is one of the main risk factors for the development of the disease. The risk begins to increase after age 40 and peaks in women over age 70. Early menopause (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) increase the duration of estrogen exposure. This factor also increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
Avoiding alcohol and smoking, eating plenty of plant-based foods and healthy fats, regular physical activity, and managing stress are key protective factors, the doctor cites. However, the complete exclusion of sweets from the diet is not recommended.
"Although cancer cells use sugar for energy, removing sugar from the diet does not directly reduce the risk of breast cancer," the doctor explained.
Instead, your doctor recommends limiting your overall intake of processed and sugary foods and maintaining a healthy weight. Previous studies have shown that processed foods can increase inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation in the body potentially increases the risk of cancer in general.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
