Decoding the breast cancer diet: Understanding what foods to avoid for estrogen-positive cases

Receiving the news that you have breast cancer can be devastating. Having your world turned upside down means learning to live with a new normal as you fight this horrible disease. While breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, the estrogen-positive subtype the most widespread, it isn’t talked about nearly enough. It’s time to tackle this complicated subject head-on, and that starts with discussing the link between the food we eat and its impact on cancer cells. When it comes to breast cancer foods to avoid, estrogen-positive cases can greatly benefit from the right nutrition. 

Key takeaways

• Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing estrogen-positive cancer.
• Because estrogen-positive cancer is supported by the estrogen hormone, you can actually impact tumor growth by depriving the cells of this hormone. 
• Knowing which foods to avoid with estrogen-positive breast cancer can help you treat this horrible disease.

Understanding estrogen-positive breast cancer

While there’s multiple types of cancer, estrogen-positive breast cancer is one of the most challenging. That’s because it is supported by a woman’s natural hormone production. After menopause, women began collecting a specific type of fat cell in their breasts, which produce estrogen at a higher rate than their pre-menopausal counterparts. Unfortunately, that estrogen can lead to and actually promote tumors. But why do some women develop estrogen-positive breast cancer when others don’t? Let’s look a little closer into the root cause.

Every woman has a protein called a hormone receptor located in their breast cells. These receptors pick up progesterone or estrogen signals that typically promote new cell growth. Unfortunately, if there’s already cancer cells present inside the breast, this process will encourage them to grow as well. If a breast cancer cell has a receptor for the estrogen hormone, it’s considered HR+ which means hormone receptor-positive or hormone-positive. A breast tumor can have both estrogen and progesterone receptors, with over 80% of all HR+ types of breast cancer being estrogen-positive. 

The good news is that estrogen-positive breast cancer is highly impacted by your hormone levels. That means if you lower the amount of estrogen you put into your body, you can actually decrease the tumor’s growth! In fact, starving these cells by reducing or eliminating estrogen through hormone blockers is one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment for women with estrogen-positive breast cancer. 

The question is, how can you lower your estrogen levels naturally? The answer, as with many issues affecting your overall health, is with the food you eat. Maintaining a healthy diet low in estrogen is one of the forms of postmenopausal breast cancer prevention and treatment. 

Estrogen-positive breast cancer and food

As a Hormona, you already know how important your diet is to your hormonal health, but for those with estrogen-positive breast cancer, maintaining a healthy diet is even more crucial. But does what you eat really make a difference when it comes to tumor growth? The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” If you’ve received a positive diagnosis or are at risk of developing this disease, there’s certain foods you simply shouldn’t eat. At the top of this list are foods high in phytoestrogens, which can skyrocket estrogen levels and feed hungry cancer cells. But how do you know if you’re eating foods high in this phytoestrogen? That’s a great question!

What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are a type of plant compound with a chemical structure that’s similar to estrogen. Due to this similarity, they can affect the body in much the same way. That’s right; plants have their own version of estrogen, too! The problem for those with estrogen-positive breast cancer is that when you eat plants that contain phytoestrogen, your estrogen levels might be affected. 

This topic is widely debated, but in some countries it’s recommended to be cautious and avoid products with phytoestrogens. Lab and animal studies show mixed results, suggesting that phytoestrogens might promote cancer growth. However, real-world data indicates that people in Asian countries, who consume more phytoestrogens, do not face higher health risks compared to those in Western countries where soy products are less common.

If you decide to follow this recommendation, there’s a number of estrogen-based foods to avoid if you have estrogen-positive breast cancer. These include anything made from soy, like tofu or soy milk, as they can actively increase your body’s estrogen levels. Along with soy foods, pumpkin seeds are surprisingly high in phytoestrogens. Anyone with hormone-sensitive cancers should be aware of the amount of estrogen-rich foods they eat, especially since phytoestrogen can be sneaky, hiding in many of the foods we often consider to be the healthiest. 

Estrogen-positive breast cancer: Foods to avoid

Knowing which foods to avoid with estrogen-positive breast cancer is important to control cancer growth and treatment success. 

A general recommendation is to follow a healthy diet and avoid foods with added sugar, trans fats, processed animal products, fried foods, and dishes low in fruits, vegetables, and especially fiber.

High estrogen foods to avoid for females with estrogen-positive breast cancer

• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Sunflower seeds and oil
• Soybean paste
• Pumpkin seeds

In addition, certain foods are not necessarily high in estrogen; however, they promote cancer growth. These foods include different types of fish, red meat, and poultry. We know that some of the foods like fish and shellfish may be a bit surprising since they’re often considered to be among the top foods that are good for you, but since they have higher estrogen content, they’re best avoided if you have estrogen-positive breast cancer.

There’s a few reasons why fish and shellfish are often high in estrogen, including environmental pollutants and food additives. Interestingly, the estrogen levels in shrimp ovaries are typically high, which is one of the main reasons shellfish make the list. 

Estrogen-positive breast cancer: Foods you don’t have to avoid

While there’s a large list of foods high in estrogen to avoid, breast cancer sufferers have a wide range of delicious options they can enjoy. Although ultra-processed foods are out, there’s a ton of hearty, flavorful foods that will keep your taste buds happy. The types of food you’ll want to reach for include: 

• Green tea
• Chamomile
• Citrus fruit
• Leafy green vegetables
• Milk 
• Eggs

While that list may seem a bit vague, it gives you a good overview of what’s included in an estrogen-positive breast cancer diet. It’s also great for managing your overall hormone health. While there’s no denying the importance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables in a balanced diet, you also want to know why certain foods are better than others. Let’s unpack that below.

Citrus

Apart from being delicious, citrus is a superfood when it comes to breast cancer. In fact, there’s promising cancer research showing that citrus peel and oil can have a big impact on estrogen-positive tumors. It’s thanks to the limonene inside the fruit, which has potent anti-cancerous properties. So, the next time you’re looking for a drink, why not reach for a big glass of orange juice or add some slices of lemon to your water? Not only will it taste great but you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping your body fight against breast cancer.

Grapes

Like citrus, grapes are another powerhouse food for people with estrogen-sensitive cancer. That’s because they’re rich in antioxidants and have some antiestrogenic effect. That’s right, there’s actually foods that block estrogen receptors in the body! Now, don’t go running for the red wine thinking it’s the ticket to shrinking a tumor; remember that alcohol, no matter what type, isn’t a good idea. Prefer different products instead: grapes, grape juice, or Greek raisins. However, remember that they are high in sugar.   

Leafy green vegetables

You might be surprised to see this group suggested, especially since we’ve discussed the ongoing debate surrounding phytoestrogens. Foods like broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts are rich in these compounds. The main idea is that these foods can help modulate estrogen receptors and exhibit antiestrogenic effects, potentially offering protection against several types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Just a friendly reminder: you can mitigate your chemical exposure by thoroughly washing your fresh foods before eating them.

Supplements for estrogen-positive breast cancer patients and survivors

One way to give your body the extra help it needs to fight against estrogen-positive breast cancer is to add estrogen botanical supplements. There’s research that shows that supplements can help decrease estrogen levels and keep them low. Even if you’ve battled the disease and come out on the other side (we’re so so proud of you!), providing your body what it needs to stay cancer-free is crucial. Along with maintaining a healthy diet, supplements can give you a powerful boost toward effectively combating estrogen-positive breast cancer. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements.

Omega-9 and omega-3

Omega-3 supplements can help with side effects from chemotherapy, both physical and mental. Omega-9 may also reduce inflammation and slow cancer growth. These supplements can be good for supporting cancer treatment, but it’s important to talk to your doctor first.

DIM or diindolylmethane

DIM is a supplement that comes from cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, bok choy, broccoli, and cabbage and is believed to help balance estrogen levels and has a potential for breast cancer prevention.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in berries and grapes which we already know is a cancer-fighting superfood and can help support a healthy estrogen metabolism. 

I3C or indole-3-carbinol

Another phytochemical that comes from cruciferous vegetables, I3C, aids in hormonal regulation, estrogen balance, and estrogen metabolism modulation.

Green tea extract

Green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant that helps support healthy estrogen levels and balance. 

Tips on managing estrogen-positive breast cancer through your diet

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is scary, but learning how to retake control of your life can be empowering. These tips on managing estrogen-positive breast cancer through your diet can help your fight get a leg up in your fight against cancer.

1. Pack on the plant-based goodness

Apart from the phytoestrogen-rich foods listed above, consuming a high plant-based diet can provide a ton of the vitamins you need to kick cancer’s butt. Focusing on whole grains, nuts, beans, fruits, and vegetables will help you feel great and inhibit the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancer. Knowing what foods to avoid if you have estrogen-positive breast cancer and which ones to turn to can make all the difference in how you feel and how the cancer responds.

2. Incorporate polyphenols

Polyphenols are chemical compounds that contain potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Found in apples, broccoli, onions, and more, they can help shield your body from sickness and improve overall breast cancer outcome.

3. Eat lean protein 

Lean protein is an excellent way to fuel your body without giving in to highly processed or fried alternatives. It gives your body the strength it needs to fight cancer cells and maintain a healthy weight.

4. Drink water

Water is crucial for anyone battling sickness as it keeps your body functioning smoothly. It will help lessen constipation, lessen fatigue, and avoid dehydration, which can lead to urinary tract infections, low blood volume, kidney problems, and more.

5. Avoid processed foods and red meat

While red meat is okay every once in a while, you should limit your intake to once every week or less. Processed food has almost no nutritional value and won’t give you the energy you need to feel your best. 

Final thoughts

The word cancer can bring your life to a halt and cause feelings of fear and uncertainty. Even if you’ve been vigilant in eating well, checking for lumps in your breast, and getting mammograms, sometimes, the unexpected happens. If you’ve been diagnosed with estrogen-positive breast cancer, there are ways you can help your body with nutrients to fit this condition. Being mindful of estrogen-rich foods and focusing on a healthy, vitamin-packed diet, you can help support your body and kick cancer to the curb. The Hormona App is proud to help women track their hormones so they can take control of their health. We’re the first end-to-end solution enabling women across the globe to live in harmony with their hormones.

FAQ

How do you prevent estrogen-positive breast cancer?

While there’s no way to prevent estrogen-positive breast cancer, there are ways you can reduce your risk, like limiting your estrogen exposure, being active, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol, and eating a diet high in fiber. 

Is there a connection between walnuts and estrogen-positive breast cancer?

Yes, walnuts are one of the nuts known to help block estrogen receptors in animal studies, let’s wait for more information if they work the same way in humans. 

What foods should I avoid if estrogen is high?

If your estrogen levels are elevated, you should discuss with your physician whether you need to avoid plants high in phytoestrogens, like soybeans and pumpkin seeds, red meats, and processed foods.

What are the estrogenic herbs to avoid?

A rule of thumb is to check each specific herb before taking it, especially if you are on chemotherapy, as sometimes herbs and medications have unexpected interactions, which can reduce effectiveness of treatment. For example, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric — a flowering plant — can make treatment with tamoxifen less effective. 

Can estrogen-positive breast cancer be cured?

Hormone therapy and removing the tumor can control estrogen-positive breast cancer, and when found at an early stage some women can be cured.

What increases the risk of estrogen-positive breast cancer?

Long-term estrogen exposure is the primary factor in increasing the chance of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Other risks include familial history, drinking alcohol, late or early menstrual cycles, late first pregnancy, and lack of physical activity.

How fast does estrogen-positive breast cancer grow?

Estrogen-positive breast cancer grows slower than some other breast cancers, however it is not recommended to delay required treatment. 

For those of you interested in exact numbers, here they are: triple-negative cancers had the highest growth rate at 1.003% per day, followed by HER2-positive cancers at 0.859% per day. Luminal cancers grew more slowly, with luminal B at 0.208% per day and luminal A at 0.175% per day.

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