Nutrition and Breast Cancer

There are many questions about what to eat after a breast cancer diagnosis. While diet alone is unlikely to be the "cause" or "cure" of cancer, research findings suggest that good nutrition can help reduce the risk of breast cancer incidence and risk of breast cancer recurrence. There are many studies in progress to help further understand the relationship between diet and breast cancer. We do know, however, that a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and a healthy weight can reduce risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and enhance overall quality of life.

Healthy Diet Guidelines

Recommendations	Examples
Consume at least 5, preferably 8-10, servings of colorful fruits and vegetables daily.	One serving equates to: 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable 1 cup raw leafy greens 1/2 cup dried fruit or vegetable 6 fl oz fruit or vegetable juice
Aim for 30-35 grams of dietary fiber daily.	High fiber foods include: Beans and lentils Whole grains (oats, brown rice, barley, quinoa, bulgur, spelt, etcÉ) Fruits & vegetables
Aim for 20% of total calories from fat. Aim for less than 8% of total calories from saturated fat. Avoid trans-fatty acids.	Healthy fats to consume in small amounts include: Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and cold-water fish (salmon, sablefish, sardines, trout, & herring) Extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, almonds, and avocadoes Limit foods high in saturated fat including butter, baked goods, meats, mayonnaise, and whole milk dairy products, including cheese.
Limit processed foods for example: Foods high in refined grains, flours and sugars. Foods high in nitrates and cured foods. Foods high in additives.	Replace foods made with processed grains like white bread, white rice and white pasta with whole grain varieties to increase nutrients and fiber. Limit desserts and foods and beverages with added sugars. Limit hot dogs, bacon, and sausage. Limit artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
Avoid alcohol or limit to less than 3 servings per week	A serving of alcohol is: 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer 1.5 ounces of liquor
Aim for 8-10 cups non-caffeinated beverages daily.	Increased fluid intake is needed with a high fiber diet. Drink water and herbal teas to meet fluid needs.
Be physically active to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.	If weight loss is necessary, health benefits may be seen with as little as 5-10 percent weight loss from starting weight. Regular physical activity and modest calorie reduction is the most successful strategy for long-term weight loss.

NOTE: Please individually discuss with us YOUR PERSONAL GOALS for changes in behavior you want to make. Some changes are better made gradually and with support (for example, quitting smoking, lowering alcohol or caffeine intake.)

For more detailed information about Nutrition & Breast Cancer download our booklet Nutrition & Breast Cancer.