Can Common Culinary Choices Curb Cancer?

Imagine this: every meal you cook for your family could be a step toward protecting them from one of the most dangerous diseases for women.

This isn’t just wishful thinking.

A new study suggests that for Indonesian women, the food they eat could be either a risk or a defense against breast cancer. Researchers took a deep dive into the diets of women battling breast cancer, and what they found offers both caution and hope.

Breast Cancer and the Banquet Table

Breast cancer rates in Indonesia have been quietly climbing for years. But in a country where food is deeply tied to tradition and culture, what role does diet play in this growing health crisis? To find out, researchers focused on what these women eat every day. Their goal is to understand how the meals shared at the family table could influence the risk of developing breast cancer. What they discovered might surprise you.

The Study in Simple Terms

In this study, women diagnosed with breast cancer across three hospitals were asked about their eating habits. Researchers used a specially designed food questionnaire that was tweaked to include local dishes. They identified three main types of diets: the carnivorous and sugar diet, the vegetables and snacks diet, and the traditional diet.

Each tells a different story about the risks and benefits of daily food choices.

Too Much Meat and Sugar, Too Much Risk

The carnivorous and sugary diet contains meat, poultry, sugary drinks, and sweets. It’s also loaded with risk. The study shows that women who frequently eat this way face a higher chance of developing breast cancer. Why? This diet is high in fats and sugars, which lead to weight gain and inflammation, two big drivers of cancer.

Think of it this way: the more you rely on these foods, the more you’re fuelling the fire of breast cancer risk.

The Traditional Diet: A Hidden Ally?

Now, here’s the good news. The vegetable and snack diet and the traditional diet seem to offer some protection. The former features lots of leafy greens and orange vegetables, while the latter is grounded in Indonesia’s culinary roots, such as tubers, eggs, and soybean products. These meals are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which are our body’s natural defence against inflammation and disease.

However, even these healthier diet options still need more fruits and vegetables.

The Weighty Worry

It’s not just about what these women eat; it’s about how it affects their weight. The study found that 40% of the participants were obese, and another 18% were overweight. This is a critical issue because obesity is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, especially after menopause.

So, while the traditional diet holds promise, it’s clear that healthier food choices and better portion control are crucial.

Seeking a Simple Solution?

Public health experts need to focus on small, realistic changes that respect cultural food traditions while promoting healthier options. Adding more fruits and vegetables to the traditional diet while cutting back on sugary drinks and snacks could make all the difference.

Health professionals can also step in by offering personalized advice to help patients adjust their diets in ways that feel doable and culturally appropriate.

A Call to Action at the Dinner Table

With breast cancer rates on the rise, there’s an urgent need to rethink everyday meals. Small, meaningful changes in diet could go a long way in protecting us.

The next time you sit down to a meal, take a second to ask yourself: is this dish helping me stay healthy or putting me at risk of cancer?

Reference:

Nindrea, R. D. (2024). Patterns of food consumption among women with breast cancer: A multicenter study in Indonesia. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 29, 101778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101778

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