Dr. Garvit Chitkara, leading surgical oncologist at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Program, Breast Reconstructive Surgery Program, Mumbai, sheds light on the role of nutrition in lowering the risk of breast cancer and managing it. He says, “Diet and nutrition are the two modifiable factors that can increase or lower the risk of breast cancer along with genetics and lifestyle factors. As oncologists, we must raise the awareness associated with diet and nutrition to prevent the spread of breast cancer.”
Previous research has shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats decreases the chances of breast cancer. Highly processed foods contain hydrogenated oils, artificial colours, flavouring agents, preservatives, added sugars, salts, and fewer vitamins and minerals, which cause weight gain cause obesity and increase the risk of cancer. Most preferred highly processed foods like packaged snacks, processed foods, pre-cooked meals, soft drinks, canned foods can contain bisphenol A (BPA) and a lot of other artificial coloring agents and preservatives, which increases the risk of breast cancer. Hence, people should avoid eating canned foods as much as possible.
Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai explains that there are studies that suggest that a healthy balanced diet that includes locally procured whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in adequate quantities significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Also, maintaining a healthy weight, especially for women over 50 – 55 years old, considerably lowers the risk of cancer.
His diet recommendations are similar to those of a Mediterranean diet, which includes brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats, antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, fish laden with omega-3s, and dairy in minimal quantities.
Patients who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer should avoid alcohol,, deep-fried and spicy foods, raw foods and nuts, leftovers, red and processed meat, sugar-laded beverages and highly processed foods that affect the speed of recovery or encourage remission of cancer.
Furthermore, he shares a few vital tips for healthy eating, including consulting a qualified dietician to guide you through food intake. To prevent the overloading of foods, which can lead to nausea, bloating, and constipation, he recommends eating small meals five or six times a day. Also, consuming adequate fluids is necessary for digestion. It is safe to consume smoothies and nutritional drinks upon the recommendation of the treating doctors and dieticians.
Recently following a Cricketer turned politician’s press conference there were a lot of questions asked by my patients which were around the claim that if turmeric and lime water could cure stage IV breast cancer? My answer to them was that the standard of treatment for breast cancer is surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted and immune therapy which are tailored as per the patients and cancer subtypes cures cancers. Good nutrition and a healthy diet help in healing and feeling better but there is no study that has shown that only a change in nutrition and diet can cure cancers as seemingly perceived by the public at large. Mr Sidhu corrected himself in a follow-up press conference to clear the doubt.
Dr Garvit Chitkar is available at Jiwan Breast Clinic, Chembur, which is easily accessible. In a modern, state-of-the-art clinic, Dr. Garvit and his team offer comprehensive consultation, testing, and guidance to patients on breast cancer, its detection, treatment, and prevention.
For more details or an appointment, contact Dr Garvit Chitkara at
Phone Number- +91-91673 28325
Jiwan Breast Clinic
Orchid Clinic Shiv Ashish Commercial
Complex, 405, 4th floor, 19th Rd, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
About Dr Garvit Chitkara
An accomplished and expert oncoplastic surgeon, Dr. Garvit Chitkara is highly meticulous in treating his patients. With over fifteen years of experience, he believes in comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and takes an active interest in assisting them to recover in the best possible way. Dr. Garvit proactively supports campaigns to raise breast cancer awareness and prevention. He has organized and participated in many such initiatives across India.
He was associated with Tata Memorial Hospital as a student and a professor. Apart from his private practice at Jiwan Clinic, Chembur, he is a senior consultant at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Program, Cancer Reconstructive Surgery Program.
