Premenopausal? Eat your veggies now to help avoid breast cancer later

The hormonal changes of menopause increase breast cancer risk. But researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health believe that a specific dietary factor might lower the risk by modifying the complex behavior of estrogen.

One caveat: You need to get the timing right.

The Harvard team examined the diets of more than 12,000 women. About half the subjects were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and the other half were cancer-free.

Results showed diets rich in carotenoid vegetables were associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. But this benefit was only seen among women who consumed such a diet before the onset of menopause.

Lead researcher, Dr. Laura I. Mignone, told Reuters Health that carotenoids are known to modify estrogen signaling. They also happen to deliver an abundance of cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Beta carotene, vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin are the powerhouse carotenoids you’ll find in leafy green vegetables, and colorful vegetables such as carrots and red peppers.

Source:
“Diet May Lower Breast Cancer Risk Before Menopause” Anne Harding, Reuters Health, 6/26/09, reutershealth.com