Breast cancer treatments often cause side effects for women, and some of them can last for years. Some of these effects are due to the effects of the drugs on the production and activity of estrogenA steroid sex hormone. Estrogen's structure is closely related to cholesterol. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen has effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Estrogen is also a growth factor for some types of cells, including breast cells. Inhibitors of estrogen function such as tamoxifen and arimidex are used to block the growth effects of estrogen. See also, estrogen receptor.. Research published in the journal Breast Cancer Research has shown that women who ate more cruciferous vegetables and soy had reduced side effects. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, kale, cabbage, bok choy and others.
These vegetables contain chemicals that can alter inflammationA reaction to tissue damage or invasion. Small blood vessels become leaky, leading to redness and swelling. Cells of the immune system migrate to the area and can release chemicals and proteins that cause damage to the structures/cells nearby., estrogen activity and other processes.
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