12 Genetic Effect of Phytonutrients in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women and the top cause of death, and its study is the most significant conceptual research being carried out as the incidence rate grows. The targeting and toxicity question is the most challenging part of our research. A variety of genes and epigenetic changes have a role in the onset and development of breast cancer. Nutrigenomics, phytochemistry and nutrigenetics studies all show that certain phytonutrients influence gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. These phytonutrients may similarly help in breast cancer preclusion and therapy. The nutrigenomic effects of different phytochemicals originating from various sources, majorly as polyphenols, will be investigated through this chapter. By targeting multiple biochemical pathways, these phytonutrients have been demonstrated to decrease breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, differentiation, angiogenesis and metastasis, and cause apoptotic cell death. Cancer cells' epigenetic processes are also altered, making them more resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. This chapter describes the molecular mechanisms that lead to phytochemical genetic effects in breast cancer.