Simple breakfast habit cuts breast cancer risk, says radiologist

A breakfast bowl including blueberries
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


A radiologist says common foods and simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. According to Breast Cancer UK, 56,000 people are diagnosed with the fullness in the UK each year and 390% of cases are preventable.

Dr. Nicole Saphier told Fox News some foods can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Dr Saphier said: "Western diets are full of ultraprocessed foods, and there are a lot of toxins in lotions and shampoos. The things that we’re putting in our system and on our skin — it’s all affecting us."

She added: "Making small changes in our daily routines can lead to noticeable improvements in our health and well-being."

Dr Sphier recommends adding five foods into your diet, as they have been linked to reduced breast cancer risks.

Spinach

Spinach contains an ingredient called carotenoids, found in a major study to be linked to a 28% reduction in breast cancer.

Garlic

Dr Saphier said early studies have linked compounds found in garlic to the suppression of cancer growth.

Blueberries

Dt Saphier eats two handfuls of blueberries every morning because they are high in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which may help to prevent the development of breast cancer and boost cancer treatment.

Antioxidants in red and blue fruit and vegetables have also been linked to reduced cancer risk - especially breast cancer.

Salmon

Fatty fish has been linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of breast cancer if eaten regularly.

Turmeric

Turmeric, used in curry and other dishes, has been found to cut inflammation and reduce cancer risk. Dr Saphier said: "I try to cook with turmeric every single day."

Cancer dietician Nichole Andrews, a registered dietician and nutritionist specialising in oncology, recently posted 10 foods and drinks she always avoids to cut the risk of cancer, including alcohol, processed meats, deli meats, sugary drinks, hot dogs,, sugar, red meat, sweet coffee, white grains and plant-based milk.

Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder of the charity Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “Lifestyle has a huge role to play in impacting your risk of developing breast cancer. Being overweight, drinking to excess, smoking and not exercising enough have all been shown to increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

“We all know that we should live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. That said, research has indicated that reversing poor health trends - for example, by losing weight that you’ve gained - can help reverse your increased risk.

“Gaining weight throughout your lifetime increases your risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause, and the more weight you gain, the higher the risk. The good news is that if you’re overweight, losing just 5% of your weight (and keeping it off!) can reduce your risk substantially – by between 25 and 40%.

“Meanwhile, evidence has proven that regular exercise reduces your risk of breast cancer. Going for a gentle walk isn’t enough - exercise should make you breathe harder and make your heart beat faster - and you should aim for five sessions a week to help reduce your risk of breast cancer.”