Breast cancer is a worldwide health concern for women of all ages and backgrounds. Despite the advances in medical science, thousands of women still die every year from this condition.

One of the key factors that determine the survival and recurrence of breast cancer is diet. Eating the wrong foods can increase the chances of the cancer coming back, while consuming the right nutrients can help prevent its occurrence.

The Role of Inflammation in Breast Cancer Recurrence

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. But if inflammation persists over a long time, it can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer.

Breast cancer cells thrive in an inflammatory environment, which is why it’s important to avoid foods that promote inflammation. Some of the common inflammatory foods include:.

Sugar and sugary foods
Processed meats and red meat
Fried foods and fast foods
Refined grains and flour
Alcohol
Hydrogenated fats and oils (found in margarine, shortening, and some snack foods)

Avoiding these foods and replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods are:.

Fruits and vegetables (especially berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower)
Fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines, and tuna)
Whole grains and complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes)
Nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds)
Healthy fats (such as olive oil, avocado, and coconut oil)

The Role of Excess Weight in Breast Cancer Recurrence

Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for breast cancer. But it can also increase the chances of the cancer returning after treatment.

Excess weight can lead to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and other metabolic abnormalities that can fuel the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence..

One of the best ways to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is to follow a balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients and low in empty calories.

This means avoiding sugary drinks, snacks, and desserts, as well as limiting the intake of processed foods and fast foods. Instead, focus on eating whole foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Examples include:.

Lean proteins (such as chicken breast, turkey, fish, and tofu)
Vegetables (especially non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, peppers, onions, and tomatoes)
Fruits (in moderation, as they can be high in natural sugars)
Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat pasta)
Legumes (such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas)
Healthy fats (such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil)

The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer Recurrence

Hormone-sensitive breast cancer, which accounts for about two-thirds of all breast cancers, grows and spreads in response to certain hormones in the body.

These hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, can come from the ovaries or from other tissues such as fat cells. Therefore, anything that affects the levels or activity of these hormones can impact the risk of breast cancer recurrence..

Several diet-related factors can influence hormone levels and activity, including:.

Dietary fat intake: Eating too much fat, especially saturated and trans fat, can increase estrogen levels and worsen the outcome of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Soy and phytoestrogens: Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. Some studies suggest that consuming soy or phytoestrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence in some women, while others show no effect.
Caffeine and coffee: Some research suggests that caffeine can interfere with the synthesis and metabolism of estrogen, while other studies show no clear link between caffeine consumption and breast cancer risk.
Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D levels may help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, as this nutrient has been shown to regulate hormone activity and support immune function.
Fiber: Eating a high-fiber diet may help reduce the levels of estrogen and other hormones in the bloodstream, as well as promote bowel regularity and weight control.

To reduce the risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancer recurrence, it’s important to:.

Aim for a low-fat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid consuming large amounts of soy or phytoestrogens, especially if you have a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Limit caffeine intake to no more than 400 mg per day (2-3 cups of coffee).
Get enough vitamin D from food sources (such as fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products) or supplements.
Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods (such as beans, lentils, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits).

The Role of Alcohol in Breast Cancer Recurrence

Drinking alcohol is another dietary factor that can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Alcohol consumption has been linked to the development of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon, and oesophageal cancer.

Women who have had breast cancer before should be especially cautious about drinking alcohol, as it can worsen the outcome and increase the risk of recurrence..

According to the American Cancer Society, women who have had breast cancer should limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

The Role of Processed Foods in Breast Cancer Recurrence

Processed foods are often high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Eating too much processed foods can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other metabolic disturbances that can worsen the outcomes of breast cancer. Therefore, it’s important to limit the consumption of processed foods and opt for whole, minimally processed foods..

Examples of processed foods to avoid include:.

Sugary drinks, snacks, and desserts
Fast foods and fried foods
Processed meats (such as bacon, sausages, and deli meats)
Snack foods (such as chips, crackers, and cookies)
Canned and packaged foods (such as soups, vegetables, and pasta)
Ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods

Instead, opt for whole, minimally processed foods such as:.

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains and complex carbohydrates
Lean proteins and plant-based proteins
Healthy fats and oils
Nuts, seeds, and legumes

The Bottom Line

While diet cannot cure breast cancer, it can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving the overall health and wellbeing of breast cancer survivors.

Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in whole foods, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and low in processed and unhealthy foods can help support a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormonal imbalances.