Breast cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers among women globally. Experts say that cases of breast cancer among women below the age of 35 years are on the rise in India, attributed to obesity and sedentary lifestyle along with genetic factors.
According to the Globocan 2020 report, more than 1.78 lakh women are diagnosed with breast cancer in India every year, such a growing number is a very serious indicator.
Breast cancer is a problem of abnormal growth of breast cells. There may be a problem of lump or pain in the breasts. It is a fatal condition that causes the death of millions of women around the world every year. Health experts say it is very important for all women over the age of 20 to have regular breast exams and take preventive measures.
What did the Harvard study find?
Regarding how the risk of breast cancer can be reduced, researchers from Harvard University found that women whose diet was high in fiber showed a lower risk of this type of cancer. Women who ate more dietary fiber in early adulthood were found to have a 12%–19% lower risk of breast cancer.
High fiber intake during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 16% and before menopause by 24%.
What do researchers say?
The authors hypothesized that eating more fiber-rich foods may help reduce estrogen levels in the blood, which in turn may reduce the risk of breast cancer. We know from many other earlier studies that breast tissue is affected by carcinogens, especially during childhood and adolescence, says Frederick John Steyer, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard Chain School. If the diet is taken care of during this period, it can reduce the risk of cancer in the future.
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk
Apart from this, another research suggests that women who have low levels of vitamin D may have a higher risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D plays a role in controlling the growth of normal breast cells and can stop the growth of breast cancer cells. This means that if a better amount of vitamin D is ensured in the diet of girls from an early age, then the risk of breast cancer can be avoided.
These habits are the biggest enemy
Health experts said, although there can be many risk factors that increase breast cancer, the habits which are considered most dangerous are tobacco-alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. Tobacco use is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, especially among young women. Similarly, studies have found that women who drink alcohol daily, even in small amounts, may have a 20% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
(PC: Freepik)
