Link Between Flaxseed and Breast Cancer

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that occurs among women. To have an effective cure for the disease, many cancer patients choose natural methods like good nutritional intake, better lifestyle choices, and treatments or medications prescribed by their physicians. One of the nutritional choices includes flaxseeds. Flaxseeds have cancer-fighting properties, thereby aiding in protection for breast cancer patients. In addition, many studies conclude a positive effect of flax seeds on chronic health issues.

The flax plant belongs to the Linaceae family. Alasi in Sanskrit, Tisi in Hindi, and linseed in English are the common names of flaxseeds. There are two types of flax seeds -

• Brown flax seeds.

• Golden flax seeds.

Golden flax seeds are grown in colder areas, whereas brown seeds are grown in warmer and humid areas.

What Are the Contents of Flax Seeds?

Flax seeds contain the following:

• Fiber - The fiber content in flax seeds helps improve digestive function and is advised for conditions like constipation.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Help to reduce cholesterol levels, thus preventing the risk of heart disease.

• Lignan Content - Flax seeds contain the most lignan content compared to other sources such as sesame seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole seeds.

Other sources include excellent vitamin B1, zinc, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.

What Are the Uses of Flax Seeds?

The following are the uses of flax seeds -

• Flax seeds can help in the prevention of breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

• They maintain blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.

• Lower the abnormal cholesterol levels.

• Used to treat constipation.

What Are the Side Effects of Flax Seeds?

Side effects of flax seeds include -

• Allergic Reactions - Itching, redness, and swelling in certain areas can occur.

• Less Or More Bowel Movements - Decrease in bowel movements leading to constipation.

• Having Gas - Accumulation of gas due to indigestion of flax seeds can also occur.

• Constipation - It is the difficulty in the elimination of wastes from the body and accumulation of the same.

How Are the Contents of Flaxseeds and Breast Cancer Linked?

Contents of flaxseeds have many anti-cariogenic properties that are linked with breast cancers -

• Omega 3 fatty acids and lignans treat cough, cold and urinary tract infections.

• Contents of flax seeds also help to lower blood pressure.

• Lignan in the flax seeds reduces blood glucose levels, and it contains cancer-deactivating enzymes.

• Phenolic acids increase antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breast tend to grow uncontrollably and abnormally. Breast cancer is more commonly found in women than men and usually occurs over the age of 50 years. The uncontrollable growth of cells leads to the formation of lumps or masses. Prevention of breast cancer can be done by decreasing the alcohol consumption, maintaining a good diet, and exercising. Other preventive medications and surgeries can also be done.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Symptoms of breast cancer include the following -

• A mass or lump. Most lumps can be painful, smooth, and round, but few can be painless, irregular, and uneven shape.

• Pain in the nipple or breast.

• Swelling in part or full breast.

• Lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm that are swollen (sometimes, they can cause breast cancer to spread even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt).

• Discharge other than breast milk.

• Nipple turning inside.

• Dimpling in the breast skin (looks like an orange peel).

• Red, dry, flaky, or thickened nipple or breast skin.

When to See a Doctor for Breast Cancer?

It is advised to visit a doctor if a small lump or mass in the breast is felt that is not painful. Breast screenings are also performed to detect any lump and mass. Breast cancer screenings help in detecting if the lump or mass is cancerous or not. Early detection of any disorder helps in diagnosing the issue and planning the treatment at the earliest.

What Is the Link Between Flaxseed and Breast Cancer?

The link between flax seeds and breast cancer is still being studied. Following are a few observations from the various studies -

• During the biopsy, a part of breast cancer cells is removed and tested for proteins like estrogen or progesterone receptors using an immunohistochemistry test. When these receptor proteins are present, breast cancer is termed hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Otherwise, it is known as hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. Detecting these proteins helps doctors make the patient's treatment plan. The cancers with estrogen receptors are called estrogen receptors positive cancer (ER+).

• The lignan in flax seeds is phytoestrogen type, which is taken from plant nutrients but identical to the female hormone estrogen. After eating flax seeds, the lignan content is transformed into enterolactone, enterodiol, and mammalian lignans with the help of colon bacteria. They show estrogen-like features and have low estrogenic effects and antioxidant properties. Because of its similarity with the primary form of estrogen, it behaves as an antiestrogenic, causing it to attach to the receptors of cells and preventing the development of cancer cells.

• Consuming flax seeds during the treatment phase tends to reduce the tumor size and thereby improve the treatment's outcome.

How Are Flax Seeds Consumed?

Flax seeds should not be consumed directly. They should be consumed in the following ways:

• Flax seeds are grounded in a coffee grinder or food processor and can be stored in the refrigerator.

• They are to be consumed one hour or two hours before consuming any medication.

• Remember that at least 150 grams of calories are present in four tablespoons of flax seeds. So, flax seeds have to be consumed according to the calorie intake of a certain human body.

• This specific way of consumption is advised to extract most of the benefits from flax seeds.

Conclusion -

Flaxseeds are not a direct treatment modality for reducing breast cancer, but it does help in reducing the risks of breast cancer. Each flax seed component helps add a positive outcome in treating breast cancer. They also have many health benefits when consumed adequately. However, if consumed in excess, it has certain side effects. Too much of anything dangerous to the body is applied to this case. Before beginning with flax seeds intake for breast cancer, it is also important to discuss with the health care provider.