Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBreast Cancer and DietFoods to AvoidFoods to EatFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Breast Cancer and Diet
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Eat
Frequently Asked Questions
Some research suggests diet may play a role inHER2-positive breast cancer. Although diet is only part of the consideration of risk for breast cancer, some types of food may increase the risk of breast cancer, while others may provide some protection.
When breast cancer is diagnosed, your healthcare team will test for a sample of the cancer cells to learn the type, which will help determine the best treatment plan. One of the common types of breast cancer is called HER2-positive.
Verywell / Julie Bang
What Is HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?HER2-positive breast cancer cells have a greatly increased amount of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). When growth factors bind to the HER2 receptor, it encourages the cancer cells to divide.While HER2-positive tumors used to have a poorer prognosis, now there are treatments that target these cells specifically, such asHerceptin (trastuzumab). HER2-positive breast cancers account for up to 30% of all breast cancers.
What Is HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?
HER2-positive breast cancer cells have a greatly increased amount of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). When growth factors bind to the HER2 receptor, it encourages the cancer cells to divide.While HER2-positive tumors used to have a poorer prognosis, now there are treatments that target these cells specifically, such asHerceptin (trastuzumab). HER2-positive breast cancers account for up to 30% of all breast cancers.
HER2-positive breast cancer cells have a greatly increased amount of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). When growth factors bind to the HER2 receptor, it encourages the cancer cells to divide.
While HER2-positive tumors used to have a poorer prognosis, now there are treatments that target these cells specifically, such asHerceptin (trastuzumab). HER2-positive breast cancers account for up to 30% of all breast cancers.
This article will discuss what foods you may wish to avoid, as well as foods that may be helpful inreducing your risk for HER2-positive breast cancer.
7 Foods That May Cause Cancer (Or Increase Your Risk)
Here are some foods and foods groups that may increase your risk for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sugary Foods
Foods withhigh amounts of sugarmay increase your risk of multiple health problems. A 2020 study found that higher total sugar intake was associated with a higher risk for not only breast cancer, but all types of cancer.
Simple and refined carbohydrates—like white bread, desserts, candy, and ice cream—are considered high-sugar foods. Check the label to look at the total amount of added sugar in the food.
Ingredients on food labels that are simple sugar sources often end in “ose.” Examples include:
Alcohol
Alcohol intake can interfere with estrogen production and receptors. Research suggests moderate alcohol consumption is associated with the growth ofestrogen receptor-positive tumors.
Red Meat
Research has been mixed on the effects of meat consumption on breast cancer risk. Some studies found no relationship between them. Another 2020 study found red meat may increase the risk of breast cancer, while poultry may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Saturated Fats
A diet high insaturated fatmay increase the risk for receptor-positive breast cancer, especially HER2-positive cancer.Saturated fat could also impact the progression of breast cancer, according to a 2017 meta-analysis.
Food’s high in saturated fat include:
Diet can also lower the risk of breast cancer or slow its progression. Here are some foods that may benefit HER2-positive breast cancer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acidsare a type of unsaturated fat that helps to reduce inflammation and protect heart health. Some research suggests omega-3s help when treating breast cancer and reduce chemotherapy-related muscle loss.
TheMediterranean dietis known for its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests this type of diet significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer.
Foods with omega-3s include:
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for all areas of health. A type of antioxidant called flavonoids may help slow the development of breast cancer cells. A 2017 study found two types of flavonoids called naringenin and hesperetin may help stop HER2-positive cell growth.
Citrus fruits include:
Are Grapes Good for You?
Soy
The conversation around soy and breast cancer has been controversial over the years. Some studies suggest it increases the risk. However, more recent research shows no risk between soy consumption and breast cancer risk, and one 2020 study actually found that higher soy intake may help prevent breast cancer.
Vegetables With Flavones
Flavones, also called phytoestrogens, are a type of plant-based compound that may benefit people with breast cancer. Research suggests these compounds may help slow the growth of HER2 cancer cells and lower breast cancer risk.
Vegetables and herbs with flavones include:
Turmeric
Turmericis a spice used in making traditional Indian food. It contains the antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and has reported anticancer effects.
A 2016 study found curcumin may help to stop cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death, as seen in studies done in the laboratory. The pathway of these effects involves hormone receptors and the HER2 receptor.
Limited Role of DietWhile diet may play a role in cancer risk, diet alone cannot prevent or cure breast cancer.
Limited Role of Diet
While diet may play a role in cancer risk, diet alone cannot prevent or cure breast cancer.
Summary
HER2-positive breast cancer is a type where the HER2 receptor is over-expressed on the cancer cells. Research suggests foods like saturated fat, red meat, sugary foods, and alcohol may increase the risk for breast cancer. Some foods that may help lower cancer risk include citrus fruits, soy, omega-3s, and turmeric.
A Word From Verywell
Your diet plays a role in your overall health and cancer risk. However, you can’t fully control cancer development through diet alone. Still, diet and lifestyle are factors affecting cancer risk.
The good news is that the foods that may increase breast cancer risk are those that you usually reduce whenadopting a healthier eating pattern.Meanwhile, foods that may reduce the risk are those that are recommended for a balanced, heart-healthy diet.
Learn MoreTypes of Breast Cancer
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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