Miriam Mutebi: Does Your Diet Affect Your Breast Health?

Miriam Mutebi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, posted on LinkedIn:

“Does Your Diet Affect Your Breast Health? Let’s Dish It Out.

You are what you eat right?

Well when it comes to breast health, this adage rings particularly true! Your diet plays a crucial role in how your body functions, and yes it may affect your breast health. If you’re loading up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains… that’s the way to go!

These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your body and can lower your risk of breast cancer. Too much-processed food, sugar, and red meat? Not so much. Studies have shown that diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars can increase inflammation in the body, which may potentially contribute to cancer risk.

So, what should you be eating? Good question!

Think color! Bright fruits and veggies like berries, leafy greens, and carrots are loaded with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals in the body. This is a great place to start! Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can also support your overall health, while beans and legumes make excellent plant-based protein choices. Wondering about animal protein? Opt for more white meats like fish and chicken. While food alone isn’t a magic bullet for preventing breast cancer, a balanced diet rich in nutrients is a key part of lowering your risks. So, pile on those greens, choose whole foods, and make healthy choices that nourish your body.

PS: This may sound like common sense to many, but far too many people continue to ignore their less-than-stellar dietary habits until it’s too late. Or they complain that greens are boring—which, let’s be honest, they can be. BUT…Don’t be those people. Every day, we see so many patients at our breast clinic (cc Aga Khan University Hospital); I truly believe it’s worth being deliberate about what we consume—even if the impact isn’t always immediately visible.

What about food preparation?

Explore methods that optimize nutrients. Too much heat or torturing greens on the stove for hours rapidly depletes their nutritional value. Fresh or lightly cooked is the way to go! If you’re struggling to control or maintain your weight dieticians are a fantastic resource. They can provide food hacks, healthier tweaks, and cooking tips to help you eat better. Bottom line, dietary changes are a long-term lifestyle game-changer. Gradually build habits that encompass healthier choices.

In fact, this December, why not go out on a limb and celebrate your ‘girls’ by embracing a lifestyle that supports their long-term health?

Your future self will thank you!”

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the President of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), and past president for Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.