By Ahndrea Blue
Making A Difference Foundation
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection, prevention, as well as support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. While genetic factors and environmental exposures play significant roles in breast cancer risk, there’s growing recognition that lifestyle choices—particularly nutrition—are powerful tools in reducing breast cancer risks and improving outcomes for those already diagnosed.
Although medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often dominate discussions, it’s essential to highlight the role of a nutritious diet in supporting overall health. Research shows that a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. While no single food or diet guarantees prevention, making informed dietary choices can empower individuals to take control of their health. A key factor is maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity—especially after menopause—has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Excess fat tissue produces estrogen, which can fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancers.
For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, nutrition is critical for managing treatment side effects and supporting recovery. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can tax the body, and a nutrient-rich diet can help patients maintain energy, preserve muscle mass, and support immune function. In addition, certain foods can help alleviate the side effects of treatment.
Plant-based diets, which focus on whole, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are also gaining attention for reducing breast cancer risk. Such diets are typically high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins while low in unhealthy fats and processed foods. Research suggests that women who follow predominantly plant-based eating lower their risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to reducing risk, such diets can significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients by providing the nutrients needed for recovery and immune support.
Making a Difference Through Access to Healthy Food
In underserved, diverse communities, access to fresh, nutritious food is often limited, putting individuals at a higher risk for health issues, including breast cancer. Making A Difference Foundation’s Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank is working to address this gap by providing fresh, healthy food to lower-income individuals. Our work with local farmers in our BIPOC Farm Fresh HUB program, which focuses on providing nutrient-rich, culturally relevant produce, helps us assist people in making healthier food choices and improving their eating habits.
This initiative is about more than just food distribution—it’s about making nutrition accessible. The program provides the food bank with items that can potentially help reduce cancer risk, including dark leafy greens, microgreens, herbs, and spices. By providing access to these healthy foods, Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank empowers individuals to adopt a nutrition-based approach to health, which can help reduce their risk for diseases like breast cancer.
A Holistic Approach to Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer prevention requires a holistic approach that includes regular screenings, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. Nutrition, as a vital component of this prevention strategy, plays a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s acknowledge the power of a nutritious diet in reducing breast cancer risk and supporting recovery.
By making informed food choices and ensuring access to fresh, healthy foods—such as the work being done by Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank—we can take meaningful steps toward better health and lower the risk of breast cancer.
Ahndrea Blue is the Founder and President/CEO of Making A Difference Foundation. Making A Difference Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, by helping them acquire the most basic human needs: food, housing, encouragement, and opportunity. To learn more about the organization and its many hunger-related programs, please visit www.themadf.org or call (253) 212-2778.
