Genes & Cancer 3(2) 177 –186 © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permission:

Cancer accounts for nearly 25 % of deaths in the United States. Unlike some cancers, the incidence and severity of breast cancer are constantly increasing. Currently, 1 of 8 U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2011, nearly a quarter of a million new cases of invasive breast cancer occurred, and 40,000 breast cancer deaths were expected. These staggering statistics call for effective strat-egies to reduce the incidence and development of breast cancer. Limited consumption of plant products and exces-sive intake of meat may contribute to the high incidence of cancer.1-5 In this context, several studies document that con-sumption of plant-based dietary products offers protection from cancer and that the intake of vegetables is often asso-ciated with a reduced risk of cancer.3-5 Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce the incidence and development o