Private MD News

New study links cruciferous vegetable consumption to improved breast cancer treatment outcomes

Category: Breast

Women who have received positive lab tests for breast cancer may benefit from a few extra servings of broccoli each week. New research has linked increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables to improved breast cancer treatment outcomes.

Many different vegetables fall into the cruciferous category, including leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Health experts say that these vegetables are important for all people, but breast cancer patients may have the most to gain, based on the findings of the study.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University examined data gathered from nearly 5,000 breast cancer patients between 2002 and 2006. The results showed that women who ate the most cruciferous vegetables were 62 percent less likely to die from breast cancer or other causes during the study period. In general, the more a participant ate, the less likely she was to die.

The researchers said that cruciferous vegetables are known to be rich sources of a number of important phytochemicals, some of which have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Further studies on these vegetables could help scientists understand exactly which nutrients are responsible for these benefits, which could help health officials develop stronger dietary recommendations for women with breast cancer.