The founder and lead surgeon of the Las Colinas Cancer Center talks about the possible protective benefits.

Irving, TX – Women who love mushrooms may find their fancy does more than add vitamins and nutrients to their diets. It seems certain types of mushrooms may also help lower the risks of developing breast cancer. A recent study, in fact, estimated the reduced risk was as much as 64 percent for women who work mushrooms into their daily eating routines.

“Mushrooms are believed to help prevent hormone-related breast cancers because of their ability to inhibit aromatase,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Las Colinas Cancer Center. “This particular enzyme is tasked with helping in the production of estrogen. Mushrooms also happen to contain lectins, which have been shown in some studies to prevent cancer cell division and slow growth.”

Echt is referring to a recent study involving more than 2,000 women. Some of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but not all of them. Researchers dove into the women’s lifestyle choices, including the foods they chose to eat. They ultimately found that women who consumed at least a third-ounce of fresh mushrooms daily seemed to enjoy a protective benefit. Several types of mushrooms appeared to produce better effects than others. The recommended mushrooms include Crimini, white, shitake, portabella and button.

“While more research is needed into the findings, the possible protective benefits of mushrooms, along with their nutritional value, make them a great choice to add into a healthy diet,” says Dr. Echt.

An estimated 246,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the coming year. About 40,000 women will die from the disease. Early screening is considered a critical step in increasing survival chances should this disease develop. All women are urged to speak to their doctors about their breast cancer risks, prevention and early screening.

About Las Colinas Cancer Center
Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.