Breast cancer is a cancer that starts and is created in the cells of the breast. Breast cancer can be found in men and women, however it is more common in women. Many women in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow abnormally. These abnormal cells divide very quickly. They form quicker than the healthy cells, and create lumps in the breasts.

There are different factors that can cause breast cancer. Some of these factors include lifestyle, environmental factors, hormones, and also genetic makeup:

1. Breast cancer diet

Even though there are no foods that can prevent breast cancer or actually cure breast cancer, there are foods that can help your living conditions if you have breast cancer. Here are a few options:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are good options because they are full of antioxidants which help your body to fight disease. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide your body with natural vitamins. Specifically, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, and fruits such as berries and peaches. It is very important to have at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Foods that have lots of fiber in them are also good for cancer like whole grains, beans and seeds.
• Eating lots of herbs and spices also can help with cancer because they are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants.
• Research has been done that shows that food that contains high amounts of beta-carotene help to lower breast cancer risk and also the growth of cancer cells. Beta-carotene can be found in vegetables like carrots.

2. Foods to avoid with breast cancer

If you do have breast cancer, and you are going through chemotherapy, there are some foods that you will want to avoid, such as:

• Alcohol has been reported to increase estrogen levels and cause damage to the DNA. It has also been shown that women who drink more than three alcoholic beverages per week increase their chance of getting breast cancer by 15%.
• Sugar, fat, processed food, and red meat have been found to increase different kinds of cancer such as breast cancer.

3. Vitamin D supplements

Taking Vitamin D supplements can help to protect your body when you have breast cancer. Exposure to the sun helps to increase natural vitamin D in your body. It is possible to check on vitamin D levels with your doctor.

4. Green tea

Drinking green tea can have a helpful effects to your body, this is because green tea is full of antioxidants which can help to make the immune system much stronger.

5. Turmeric spice

Turmeric has also been known to help slow the growth of breast cancer cells, this is a yellow spice that can be taken in capsule form, or you can buy it in the grocery store and sprinkle it on your food

6. Physical activity

Exercise is also an important way to help ease the pain of radiation and chemotherapy. It has been reported that women who exercise at least 4 hours per week have a lower risk of breast cancer. Exercise can also help during treatment for those that already have breast cancer.