Going by the findings of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "prudent" diet patterns can notably lower the risk of breast cancer in different groups of women.

Scientists describe a "prudent" diet as the one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains; but low in starchy carbohydrates, sweets, and red and processed meats.

Speaking of the study's findings in specific terms, it was found that a healthy diet reduces breast cancer risk in thin, young and premenopausal African-American women; while no such association between good diet and breast cancer risk was reported in the case of obese or postmenopausal women.

Urging women to forego the Western-diet style for reducing their risk of breast cancer and consequent complications, the study underlined that a healthy diet actually cuts the risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer - the tumor that causes nearly one-third of breast malignancies.

To further espouse the benefits of a healthy diet, it has been found that a diet full of antioxidant-rich brightly-colored fruits and vegetables helps combat the cancer-triggering cells - free radicals.

Earlier reports too have revealed that women who eat beans and pulses two to four times a week have a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer, compared to those who rarely eat them.

Furthermore, cancer risk is higher in women who drink regularly, vis-à-vis the non-drinkers.