Prevention

Folic acid (folate)

Folic acid - Folic acid and cancer

Some evidence associates low blood levels of Folic acid (folate) with a greater risk of cancer. Folate is involved in the synthesis, repair, and functioning of DNA, our genetic map, and a deficiency of folate may result in damage to DNA that may lead to cancer. Several studies have associated diets low in folate with increased risk of breast, pancreatic, and colon cancer.

Various studies have found that "folate intake counteracts breast cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption and "women who drink alcohol and have a high folate intake are not at increased risk of cancer. Another study concluded that those with a high level of folate (folic acid or Vitamin B9) in their diet (200 micrograms or more per day) are not at increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who abstain from alcohol.

Foods rich in folate include citrus fruits, citrus juices, dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), dried beans, and peas. Vitamin B9 can also be taken in a multivitamin pill. However, associations between diet and disease do not indicate a direct cause. Researchers are continuing to investigate whether enhanced folate intake from foods or folic acid supplements may reduce the risk of cancer.

Oophorectomy and mastectomy

Prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), in high-risk individuals, when child-bearing is complete, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by 60%, as well as reducing the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 96%.

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomies have been shown to prevent breast cancer in high-risk individuals, such as patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.