I’d like to start off by saying that currently the development of breast cancer is not completely understood, therefore it is difficult to know if total prevention is possible. However, there have been numerous studies that have allowed scientists to link certain behaviors to a higher risk. Diet and exposure to pesticides are two of them.
One study published this October examined the effects of chlorpyrifos, a common pesticide used agriculturally worldwide, on mammary gland tumor development and growth. They observed higher and earlier instances of tumors in rats exposed to this pesticide. Additionally, they found altered enzyme and mRNA (genetic code messenger) expression and levels in the mammary glands. This suggests chlorpyrifos may be a risk factor in tumor development.
When looking at specific dietary intake, this study combined data from 16 other studies to observe the validity of increased fiber consumption with reduced breast cancer risk. They found an inverse relationship between higher consumption of fiber and cases of breast cancer. This was particularly noticeable at 20g or higher per day, so eat your fiber ladies! Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are all sources of fiber and should be a part of your daily diet.
So, we have evidence for pesticide exposure and fiber intake affecting your risk for breast cancer. How can we kill two birds with one stone? Eat locally sourced healthy organic foods. This doesn’t just apply to fruits and veg – meat, herbs, cheese, eggs and more can all be found from local organic sources!
But winter is around the corner…
Many of you probably frequent farmers markets during the summer, but think eating local in the winter months just isn’t feasible. While I wouldn’t expect to find EVERY fruit or veg available from a local source, there are some options and little things you can do to eat as local as possible even when there’s snow outside. Supplement the rest by choosing organic options at your local supermarket.
1: Join a community supported agriculture group, or similar organization. These groups grow crops in greenhouses, and store more hearty veg in cold storage to keep the supply through the winter.
2: Grow your own sprouts, herbs, and micro greens inside. If you’re more ambitious you can try some root veg too!
3: Local co-op and year round markets. Some areas have year round markets, and many Co-ops and similar organizations have local farmers supplying their stock year round. (Open Harvest in Lincoln is great!)
4: Preserve in-season fruit and veg. If you have the space and means, preserving fruits and veggies is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious food year round. My grandmother makes jars and jars of her pickled veg, homemade marinara, and jams to supply the family through winter!
But eating organic is expensive…
I hear you on this one. As a recent graduate I’m not exactly rolling in the dough, which is why I prioritize certain items over others. If I’m going to eat the skins of the fruit or vegetables I try to buy organic. There are also certain foods that are most likely to contain pesticides – here is an article about the 12 fruits and vegetables that tend to contain the most pesticides.
It’s also important to try and buy organic meats if possible. I personally do not eat very much meat, but if you’re eating it on a daily basis try swapping out a few meals for organic. Farmed animals are being fed feed containing antibiotics and pesticides, their bodies absorb these chemicals and they do not disappear when they become your dinner.
I understand that farmers are caught between a rock and a hard place; if pesticides and antibiotics weren’t available there would fewer fruits and vegetables and sicker livestock. I think it’s amazing that we’ve been able to figure out how to feed so many people with so little space at relatively low cost. However, if you have the means, eating organic and local is a fantastic way to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
