The prognosis and subsequent treatment of breast cancer vary from person to person. Just as breast cancer responds to certain types of treatment, some foods may also have an effect on it. According to studies, there is no proven food or diet that can prevent or cause this disease; however, a person’s dietary preference hugely impacts their risk of developing breast cancer or the ability to cope with the condition.

Remember that a healthy diet plan should include lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole wheat bread and brown rice, oats, and lean proteins like chicken, eggs, and fishes. Equally important is a list of food items that one should stay away from. Here is a list of foods linked to breast cancer that one should avoid to reduce the risk of the condition.

• Processed meats

Processed meat products, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats, have high amounts of chemical preservatives that can cause cancer. Moreover, cold cuts and processed meats contain fats and salts that are not good for overall health.

• Refined sugar

Experts say that refined sugar in large quantities can spike insulin levels and this increases the release of insulin-like growth factor, which has been shown to help cancer cells develop. An example of this food item is fructose-rich sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup. Cookies, sauces, cereals, artificial juices, cakes, and pies contain refined sugar in high quantities and other preservatives and are foods linked to breast cancer.

• Fats

It’s a myth that fats are not good for health. Fats are good for health but only the right ones. One should limit the intake of fried foods such as crackers, donuts, packaged cookies, or pastries as they all contain trans-fats. Hydrogenated oils are used in processed food to preserve and increase their shelf-life. These kinds of oils change the cell membrane structure and flexibility in our bodies, which can lead to breast cancer.

• Microwaveable popcorn

This type of popcorn is popular as it is quite convenient. However, it has a high amount of chemicals and is one of the most common foods linked to breast cancer. Many research studies have shown the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid in the bags in which the popcorn is packed. Diacetyl is also used in the popcorn, so it’s wise to just stop eating it.

• Diet foods and beverages

Loaded with lots of sugar, food chemicals and coloring, soda pop and beverages feed cancer cells. Sucralose, saccharin and the numerous other artificial sweeteners in them are believed to cause breast cancer and must be avoided.

• Refined flour

Most processed foods have a common ingredient and that is refined flour. The excess carbohydrate content rapidly raises the blood sugar level in the body, which aids in cancer cell growth.

• Pesticide-ridden apples, grapes, and ‘dirty fruits’

People tend to think they are going the healthy way if they are purchasing apples, grapes, or strawberries from the store. However, one should avoid buying fruits unless they are organic or pesticide-free. To prevent fruits from being eaten by pests, rodents, insects, bacteria, etc., farmers use a lot of pesticides. These chemicals are used in many commercially grown fruits and many studies have proven the link between pesticides and breast cancer.