Doctor who survived stage 4 breast cancer shares 5 cancer-fighting foods that helped her

Certain foods can help one fight the battle with breast cancer (Picture Credit: Unsplash)

Eating the right foods works as both a preventive measure and an effective treatment. With breast cancer on the rise, especially among young women, Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a double board-certified physician at Mayo Clinic and a stage 4 breast cancer survivor, shared on a podcast with Mel Robbins the top five foods that can help fight the disease effectively, ensuring long-term health.

Frozen berries: They are packed with nutrients that offer several health benefits. “Every two servings a week can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and for survivors, it can reduce the risk of dying by 25%. This was in the Nurses’ Health Study,” Dr. Mussallem told Robbins. Additionally, they support heart and gut health, improve the immune system, and more.

Purple sweet potatoes: According to Dr. Mussallem, “Purple sweet potatoes contain about 150% more anthocyanins than berries.” She explained that anthocyanins are natural compounds found in many colourful fruits and vegetables. When we eat them, they can interact with our body’s genes. Some genes promote tumour growth, while others stop it. Anthocyanins can help turn off cancer-promoting genes and turn on tumour-suppressing genes, helping prevent cancer from spreading or growing.

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Cruciferous vegetables: Calling them the most powerful vegetables for breast cancer, she said, “When they are raw, they contain an enzyme called myrosinase, which is magical for absorbing the phytonutrients present in broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and arugula more effectively…. They also help transition estrogen into a form that doesn’t stimulate cell growth.”

Beans and fibre-rich foods: The physician hailed them for being not just rich in plant protein but also fibre. She shared a study that showed class-one evidence in medicine stating that fibre can help reduce the risk of dying from any cause, heart disease, and even pancreatic cancer. Another review highlighted that fibre can cut overall cancer risk by 22%.
Soy and edamame: Edamame is another cancer-fighting food that is highly effective. “There are very few foods that, if you ever got breast cancer, can actually reduce your risk of dying, and edamame is one of them,” said Dr. Mussallem. She also praised soy for its medicinal properties, adding that it is protective of the prostate and may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Another 2022 report highlighted that soy can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 25%.

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FAQs on stage 4 breast cancer:

1. What is stage 4 breast cancer?
Stage 4, or metastatic breast cancer, means the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

2. Can stage 4 breast cancer be cured?
It usually cannot be cured, but it can often be managed for many years with treatments that control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

3. What treatments are available for stage 4 breast cancer?
Treatment may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, depending on the cancer’s type and where it has spread.

4. What are common symptoms of stage 4 breast cancer?
Symptoms vary but may include fatigue, pain, bone aches, shortness of breath, or weight loss, depending on the areas affected.

5. Can people live long with stage 4 breast cancer?
Yes. Many people live for several years after diagnosis, especially with advances in personalized and targeted treatments. Quality of life and symptom management are key goals of care.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.