Breast cancer has many subtypes, two of which are ER negative (ER-) and ER positive (ER+). ER- is a rarer, more dangerous form, and is known to have “lower survival rates and are less dependent on estrogen levels than ER+ tumors.”

In a recent study published in ScienceDaily.com, researcher Seungyoun Jung, Sc.D., of the Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and his colleagues tried to find a connection between lowering ER- risk and eating fruits and vegetables.

Working with data from 20 previous studies that included information on female participants monitored for 11 to 20 years, they tracked the association of low fruit intake to the risk of developing ER- breast cancer. They found that “the total fruit and vegetable intake was statistically significantly linked to a lower risk of ER- breast cancer.” This may be due to certain hormones and nutrients that fruits and vegetables supply. However, there is no direct connection between consuming greens and ER+, or any other breast cancer subtype.

As prevention is the best cure, the study once again highlights the importance of a well-balanced diet. Eating fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of turning to chips won’t only keep you trimmer, but will also help you keep ER- breast cancer at bay. Try your best to look for pesticide-free fruits that you can regularly munch on, and for your vegetables, check out our article on how to make them yummier.

(Photo by Family O'Abé via Flickr Creative Commons)