Breast cancer warning – this is how much fruit and veg you should eat to lower risk

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK.

The risk of developing breast cancer could be reduced by making some small diet changes, scientists have claimed.

Eating fruit and vegetables every single day could help to lower the chances of the deadly disease, according to Harvard University researchers.

Cruciferous vegetables – including broccoli and yellow/orange vegetables – had the greatest benefits, they said.

Eating more than 5.5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day on average could lower the risk of breast cancer by 11 per cent, the scientists revealed.

A single serving was defined as a whole cup of raw leafy vegetables, half a cup of cooked vegetables, or half a cup of chopped fruit.

“This research provides the most complete picture of the importance of consuming high amounts of fruit and vegetables for breast cancer prevention,” said researcher Maryam Farvid.

Senior author Heather Eliasson added: “While a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is associated with many other health benefits, our results may provide further impetus for women to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.”

The fruit and vegetables may help to prevent breast cancer due to their antioxidants and micronutrients, the researchers said.

It was previously revealed that a high-fibre diet could also lower breast cancer risk.

Fibre-rich foods include pasta, oats, barley and wholewheat bread.

A healthy, balanced diet is recommended for all women, as it could help prevent many forms of cancer, said the NHS.

Women that maintain a healthy weight are less likely to develop cancer, it added.

Eating a diet that’s low in saturated fat and alcohol could also lower the risk of cancer.

It’s also possible to slash the chances of the disease by exercising regularly.

About one in every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

It’s therefore crucial that women check their breasts regularly for any changes, said the NHS.

Look out for a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts.

Other breast cancer symptoms include a swelling in either armpit, or a dimpling in the breast skin.

See a GP if you notice any of the breast cancer warning signs.