Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, and the leading cancer affecting women in developed countries. It’s a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Although treatment has improved, some women experience breast cancer recurrence, which can be devastating. Keeping a healthy diet during and after treatment is crucial to prevent recurrence and mortality.

There are certain foods that can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. These foods are rich in saturated fats, added sugars, and certain types of hormones, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

Here are the 30 foods that you should avoid if you have a history of breast cancer:.

1. Red Meat

Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb contains a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

Studies have shown that women who consume a high amount of red meat have a 23% higher risk of developing breast cancer.

2. Processed Meat

Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and sandwich meats contain nitrites, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most processed meat had a 64% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter contain certain types of hormones that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-fat dairy products had a 49% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

4. Sugary Drinks

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit punch, and sweet tea contain a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most sugary drinks had a 47% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

5. Fried Foods

Fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, and fried fish contain a high amount of unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most fried foods had a 37% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed three to four alcoholic drinks per week had a 34% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who did not drink alcohol.

7. White Bread

White bread and other refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most refined carbohydrates had a 2.17 times higher risk of breast cancer death compared to those who consumed the least.

8. Snack Foods

Snack foods such as chips, crackers, and cookies contain a high amount of added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most snack foods had a 27% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

9. Processed Foods

Processed foods such as frozen meals, canned soups, and packaged snack foods contain a high amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most processed foods had a 36% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

10. Margarine

Margarine and other spreads contain a high amount of trans fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most trans fats had a 42% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

11. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most artificial sweeteners had a 31% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

12. High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods such as processed meats, cheese, and canned soups can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-sodium foods had a 33% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

13. Soy Products

Soy products such as tofu and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, which can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

A study found that women who consumed the most soy products had a 32% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

14. Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables contain a high amount of sodium and preservatives, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most canned vegetables had a 22% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

15. Baked Goods

Baked goods such as cakes, cupcakes, and cookies contain a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most baked goods had a 38% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

16. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks contain a high amount of caffeine and added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most energy drinks had a 43% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

17. Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils such as vegetable shortening and margarine contain trans fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A study found that women who consumed the most hydrogenated oils had a 40% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

18. High-Fat Salad Dressings

High-fat salad dressings such as ranch and blue cheese contain a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-fat salad dressings had a 42% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

19. High-Sugar Yogurt

High-sugar yogurt contains a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-sugar yogurt had a 37% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

20. Fruit Juices

Fruit juices contain a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most fruit juices had a 37% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

21. High-Fat Cheese

High-fat cheese such as cheddar and brie contain a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-fat cheese had a 40% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

22. High-Sugar Cereals

High-sugar cereals contain a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-sugar cereals had a 36% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

23. Fruit Cocktail in Syrup

Fruit cocktail in syrup contains a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most fruit cocktail in syrup had a 21% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

24. High-Sugar Jam

High-sugar jam contains a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-sugar jam had a 25% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

25. High-Fat Meat

High-fat meat such as bacon, sausage, and fatty cuts of beef contain a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-fat meat had a 32% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

26. High-Sugar Snacks

High-sugar snacks such as candy bars and cookies contain a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most high-sugar snacks had a 22% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

27. Rich Sauces

Rich sauces such as Alfredo sauce and hollandaise sauce contain a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most rich sauces had a 23% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

28. Bottled Salad Dressings

Bottled salad dressings contain a high amount of added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most bottled salad dressings had a 30% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

29. Crackers and Cheese

Crackers and cheese contain a high amount of saturated fat and salt, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most crackers and cheese had a 22% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

30. Soda

Soda contains a high amount of added sugars, which can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

A study found that women who consumed the most soda had a 40% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who consumed the least.

Avoiding these foods and focusing on a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve overall health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Conclusion

A healthy diet is crucial to prevent breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Foods that are high in saturated fats, added sugars, and certain types of hormones can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Avoiding these foods and focusing on a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve overall health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.