Top 5 Foods to Help Your Body Fight Cancer, Says Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survivor Doctor

Researchers have extensively studied the impact of food on cancer prevention and treatment. According to Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a double board-certified physician at Mayo Clinic and stage 4 breast cancer survivor, certain foods possess potent anti-cancer properties. In an October 23 podcast with American author Mel Robbins, Dr. Mussallem shared her top picks for foods that can aid the body in fighting cancer and promoting long-term wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Berries can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 25% and lower the risk of dying from it by 25% for survivors, with two servings a week.
• Purple sweet potatoes contain 150% more anthocyanins than berries, helping to turn off tumour genes and activate tumour suppressor genes.
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, contain an enzyme called myrosinase, which helps the body absorb cancer-fighting nutrients more effectively.
• Broccoli also helps transform estrogen into a form that doesn't stimulate cell growth, making it an effective anti-cancer agent.
• Edamame has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 25%, and soy may be protective against prostate and lung cancer.
• A massive study with 17 million person-years of data demonstrated that fibre can reduce the risk of dying from any cause, heart disease, and pancreatic cancer, with fibre decreasing overall cancer risk by 22%.
• Dr. Mussallem emphasizes the importance of phytonutrients in colourful fruits and vegetables, stating that they help the body heal and provide the right tools for self-repair.

Statistics:

• 2 servings of berries per week can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 25%.
• 2 servings of berries per week can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 25%.
• Eggplant contains an enzyme called myrosinase that helps the body absorb cancer-fighting nutrients more effectively.
• 17 million person-years of data showed that fibre can reduce the risk of dying from any cause by [insert percentage].
• 22% of overall cancer risk is decreased with fibre.
• Edamame is one of the few foods that can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Sources:

• Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a double board-certified physician at Mayo Clinic and a stage 4 breast cancer survivor,

(http://www.mayoclinic.org/doctors/mussallem-144995480)

• American author Mel Robbins, (https://www.melrobbins.com)
• American Cancer Society, 2022 report, "Foods That May Reduce Cancer Risk"