Some research suggests diet may play a role inHER2-positive breast cancer.
One of the common types of breast cancer is called HER2-positive.
Verywell / Julie Bang
What Is HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?
Verywell / Julie Bang
When growth factors bind to the HER2 receptor, it encourages the cancer cells to divide.
HER2-positive breast cancers account for up to 30% of all breast cancers.
Breast cancercontinues to be the most commonly diagnosed key in of cancer worldwide.
Diet is one of the factors that may impactcancer.
Sugary Foods
Foods withhigh amounts of sugarmay increase your risk of multiple health problems.
Simple and refined carbohydrateslike white bread, desserts, candy, and ice creamare 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.
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.
Here are some foods that may benefit HER2-positive breast cancer.
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 key in of diet significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer.
A pop in 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.
Some studies suggest it increases the risk.
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.
The pathway of these effects involves hormone receptors and the HER2 receptor.
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 cant fully control cancer development through diet alone.
Still, diet and lifestyle are factors affecting cancer risk.
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