Consuming cruciferous vetetables after a diagnosis of breast cancer was associated with improved survival in Chinese women, as reported in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study in April 2012. Nearly 5000 breast cancer survivors with stage 1-4 cancer were followed prospectively over three years. Comparing the highest quartile with the lowest with regard to cruciferous vegetable consumption they found a 27-62% reduction in all cause mortality, 22-62% increased survival in breast cancer specifically, and risk for recurrence of 21-35%.
The active ingredients in these foods were thought to be isothiocyanates and indoles.
These values are superior to conventional treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation! It is important to point out that other factors such as adequate vitamin D levels, exercise, weight control, stress reduction, and boosting immunity can add to this already impressive increase in survival.