Not all breast cancers are the same. Once you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will review your pathology report and the results of any imaging tests to understand the specifics of your tumor. One of these types is Estrogen receptor (ER) positive.
Breast cancers are sensitive to your body’s naturally occurring female hormones — estrogen and progesterone. The breast cancer cells have receptors on the outside of their walls that can catch specific hormones that circulate through your body.
Knowing your breast cancer is sensitive to hormones gives your doctor a better idea of how best to treat the cancer or prevent cancer from recurring.
In Estrogen receptor (ER) positive cancer the cells have receptors that allow them to use the hormone estrogen to grow. Treatment with anti-estrogen hormone (endocrine) therapy can block the growth of the cancer cells.
How can Breast Cancer be Estrogen-positive?
This type of Breast cancer is common in Postmenopausal women. Breasts have a particular type of fat cell. And these fat cells produce Estrogen that can lead to and feed tumors. About 80% of all breast cancers are “ER-positive.” That means the cancer cells grow in response to the hormone estrogen.
These particular tumors are identified as Estrogen-positive, meaning they’ll use the body’s hormone to grow and spread. But it also means that reducing those hormone levels can — and crucially does — help decrease tumor growth. In fact, one of the multiple therapies for these cancers includes hormone blockers.
Eating the right food can support your therapy and your overall well-being, so the need to understand the significance of foods to eat and avoid is important.
when it comes to living with Estrogen-positive Breast Cancer, foods to avoid most definitely exist. So here’s our guide to good food… And the food to steer clear of…
Estrogen-positive Breast Cancer: Foods to Avoid
Now, for the most part, the foods on the following list are worth avoiding because they can increase your Estrogen levels, which is not great if your tumor is Estrogen-sensitive.
- Processed animal fats
- Low fiber foods
- Low fruit and veg foods
- Processed or non-organic produce
- High sugar foods
- Fatty foods
- Transfats
- Smoked meats
- Well-done fried meat or fish
And maybe also avoid…
- Alcohol
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Sunflower seeds and oil
- Liver
- Soybean paste
- Salty food
- Pumpkin seeds
Estrogen-positive Breast Cancer: Foods You Can Enjoy
Now, while you do have to say goodbye to overly processed foods, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing good left to eat. Foods to opt for include,
- Low fat
- Low sugar
- Organic fruit and veg
- Lots of fiber
- Lots of water
- Green tea/Chamomile
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Citrus fruit
- Grapes
Following a healthy diet is, the way to go.
A good rule of thumb is to eat a varied, colorful diet. That includes fruits and vegetables, such as berries and sweet potatoes; spices, such as cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and turmeric; and herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme.
Consider finding a nutritionist who specializes in working with people who have breast cancer to help you develop an individualized eating plan that suits your needs.
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