Drink tea to reduce breast cancer risk

Tea drinkers could have less of a breast cancer risk as it increases the functions of blood vessels, says a new research. The aim of this latest analysis was to evaluate the links between tea consumpt

By: Editorial Team | | Published: June 5, 2014 2:23 pm

Tea drinkers could have less of a breast cancer risk as it increases the functions of blood vessels, says a new research. The aim of this latest analysis was to evaluate the links between tea consumption and alcohol drinking and physical activity and breast cancer risk among Chinese women, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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Commenting on the new research, women’s health specialist Catherine Hood said: ‘Compared with non-drinkers, regular tea drinkers had a 21 per cent decreased risk of breast cancer. This beneficial finding is likely to be associated with the polyphenol content of tea.’ Tea is rich in polyphenols, including catechins and gallocatchins, which have been reported to have antioxidant activity and potential anti-tumour effect. (Read: Breast cancer in disabled women causes, self examination) Also Read - Today health tips: 5 types of teas to start your day with

Hood said 39 studies involving 13,204 breast cancer cases and 87,248 controls were identified for the entire study. Among the total number of studies, 16 involved tea consumption with a total of 28,737 cases and 60,936 controls. A new study also says that black tea improves the function of the blood vessels. Looking at this research further, another health expert, Tim Bond, said: ‘Several previous studies have found that black tea and its flavonoids have direct effects on the blood vessels improving vascular function.’ (Read: Am I cured of breast cancer? What tests can I do to check?)

‘The aim of this study was to see if tea improves vascular function by h:elping to prevent injury of the blood vessels in the face of ischaemia (restriction in blood supply), which is a frequent occurrence in cardiovascular disease.’

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer originating from the breast tissues. Both men and women can be afflicted by it though it’s rarer in men. Along with cervical cancer it’s one of the most common types of cancer that afflicts women. One of the major issues with breast cancer is that it is often not detected soon enough. This is due to low awareness about the disease. Detecting it early can significantly reduce the death risk. (Read more about Breast cancer causes, symptoms, myths, diagnosis, treatment)

What are symptomps of breast cancer?

Symptom #1: Lumps

If you notice a hard lump or knot, that is usually painless in your breast (either one or both), then it’s time to get a mammography done. Finding a lump does take a little bit of effort, and doing regular breast self exams are imperative to catch this symptom early.

Symptom #2: Slight hardening

Occasionally, you might not be able to discern a clear cut lump cannot, but a ‘lumpish’ feel is there. And this feel is different as compared to the same area of the opposite breast. You will feel a sort of hardening in one area of your breast(s) which must be investigated early. Usually this symptom is ignored as a minor change in the composition of your breast but, considering it could be an early indicator of breast cancer, get yourself tested as soon as you can.

Symptom #3: Nipple discharge

Under normal circumstances there should be no discharge from your nipples ‘(unless you are pregnant or have just had a baby), but if you see bloody or blood stained fluid being discharged from your nipples, it a sign that you need to visit your doctor immediately. (Read: 6 breast cancer symptoms you should never ignore)

With inputs from IANS

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Published : June 5, 2014 2:23 pm

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