Amanda Mealing discusses her breast cancer diagnosis
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Despite incremental advances in the prevention of cancer, the fall in fatality remains slow. Some cancers remain effectively incurable as they spread beyond reach of existing treatments. As with most ailments, however, prevention is better than cure. One fruit in particular could act as a buffer against inflammation and the development of cancer.
Cherries are a natural product cultivated in two forms – sour and sweet.
It is the sour variety of cherries which has various breast cancer risk-reducing benefits.
The fruit contains antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, which have been linked to reduced inflammation.
This flavonoid gives cherries their bright colour, and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventative properties which slow the growth of premalignant cells.
READ MORE: Bowel cancer symptoms: Three ‘sudden shifts’ in your bowel habits that can be a sign
A review on the health benefits of cherries by scientists, at the US Department of Agriculture, found regular consumption of cherries lowered markers for inflammation.
One variety in particular, tart Montmorency cherries, may have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food”.
A study found that two daily shots of cherry juice for three weeks could lead to significant reductions in inflammation markers.
Benefits were greatest among women who had higher inflammation levels at the start of the study.
Among these women, just under 28 percent were breast cancer patients, equating to about 10,600 people.
The study is one of many advocating the benefits of cherries for breast cancer patients specifically.
One particular study, which addressed the effects of consuming cherries on breast cancer, showed the fruit can inhibit the growth of triple negative breast cancer cells without causing toxicity to normal breast cells.
It found that sweet dark cherry extract could suppress tumour growth.
Cherries have also long been revered as one of the fruits highest in melatonin, which also has cancer-preventive properties.
In addition to reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer, the fruit might also help to manage blood pressure due to its high potassium concentration.
Acute inflammation is a typical biological response triggered by the immune system to offer protection to injured, ill or stressed individuals.
When inflammation persists in the body, it can disrupt normal function of cells, tissue and organs, leading to metabolic complications, tissue damage and even shortening lifespan.
Triple negative cancer, arguably one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, is characterised by fast growth and worse prognosis.
This cancer is notoriously difficult to target through treatment because it lacks three molecules used to classify the disease: the oestrogen receptor; progesterone receptor; and human epidermal growth factors receptor.
The absence of these molecules in triple negative breast cancer means women often have to recourse to surgery, and/or chemotherapy.
According to figures released by NHS England, there were about 38,000 fewer cancer patients undergoing treatment between April and March 2021, compared with the same period a year earlier.
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