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Nutritional dos and don’ts for breast cancer prevention

Nutritional dos and don’ts for breast cancer prevention

Of all the known types of cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed types in women is that of the breast. This cancer type can be caused by a defect in one’s DNA as well as genetic mutations. While the occurrence of this condition is common among women, it can be rarely seen in men too. Herein, we discuss which nutritional changes can affect one’s vulnerability to breast cancer and the medications prescribed for treatment.

Foods to eat
Certain foods can improve one’s overall wellbeing and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and other such diseases in the long run. Some such beneficial foods are,

Leafy green vegetables
Such vegetables contain important antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients fall under the category of carotenoids and are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Fatty fish
Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, and important antioxidants. These nutrients protect the body from damage and help in repairing old ruptured cells. Thus, foods made with fatty fish can offer cancer-fighting benefits when included in one’s meal routine.

Foods to avoid
Certain foods can potentially increase one’s risk of developing breast cancer. Eliminating or reducing the frequency of consumption of such foods should be a top priority for preventing this condition. Two such foods one must eliminate are,

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages contain a large number of toxins that are detoxified by the liver. Such a process strains the liver quite a bit and, subsequently, increases the risk of one developing breast cancer.

Processed foods
Processed foods contain a large number of artificial additives that help preserve these foods for a longer period of time. And the copious addition of sugar and salt only makes things worse. The consumption of foods like cured meat, bread, and cheese could lead to obesity, consequently increasing the risk of developing breast cancer.

Medications
Prompt and effective treatment for breast cancer is normally carried out with the help of certain medications. And one such medicine is Neulasta, which is the brand name of a medication called Pegfilgrastim. This medication promotes the production of healthy white blood cells and fights off infection caused by chemotherapy. There are several FDA-approved biosimilars available in the market as an alternative to Neulasta, such as

Fulphila
This medication is an injectable form of Pegfilgrastim. Fulphila is produced by Mylan and is prescribed to patients who have non-myeloid malignancies and have been receiving anti-cancer medicinal treatment. Medications used for chemotherapy compromise the immune system and make one vulnerable to infections. Such infections can be addressed by the prescription of Fulphila.

Nyvepria
Nyvepria is another injectable biosimilar of Neulasta. It is synthesized by Pfizer and potentially helps reduce the risk of infection posed by febrile neutropenia. Such issues may be experienced by cancer patients who take myelosuppressives.

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