THE ROLE OF DIET IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

SOUTH Africa is facing a growing cancer crisis. In the next five years, the number of new cancer cases each year could double to 120 000. This highlights how at risk we are.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

EXPLORE how nutrition can play a vital role in cancer prevention and recovery, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

(Pexels)

For women, breast cancer is the most common, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27. But here's the question that often lingers: Can what we eat help us in this fight?

October, which includes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Food Day, is a good time to think about how nutrition can help prevent cancer and support recovery.

No single food or diet can make us immune to cancer, but research shows our daily food choices do affect our risk.

When we hear about "cancer-fighting foods", the term often refers to a plant-based diet brimming with phytochemicals, natural compounds found in plants that help combat chronic diseases, including cancer.

"Phytochemicals are abundant in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds," explains Lindsey Wohlford, a wellness dietitian.

"These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer."

For instance, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to reduce tumour growth in some laboratory studies.

Similarly, carrots, rich in beta-carotene, have been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, while berries are packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that combat cell damage.

Can food alone prevent cancer?