As the most common cancer in women worldwide, breast cancer developed in more than 200,000 women in 2010, according to the National Cancer Institute. Family history of breast cancer, hormone status, diet, urbanization and other environmental factors determine your risk of developing the disease. A report by the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that early life events, such as nutrition and food choices, modify your risk of developing breast cancer.
AICR Breast Cancer Report
The 2007 "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective Report" critically analyzed available cancer data. An expert panel determined the strength of the evidence for modification of diet and exercise to alter cancer risk. The report categorized each nutrient or food for risk of each cancer as convincing decreased risk, probably decreased risk, limited-suggestive decreased risk, limited-suggestive increased risk, probable increased risk, convincing increased risk and substantial effect on risk unlikely. Of the foods or nutrients identified, three decreased the risk and three increased the risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer. Two decreased risk and six increased the risk of developing post-menopausal breast cancer.
Consume Phytoestrogens, Vitamin D and Folate to Reduce Risk
Large population-based studies demonstrate that women who consume moderate levels of soy or flaxseed are less likely to develop breast cancer. Soy and flaxseed both contain phytoestrogens, which are compounds that compete with estrogen for activity in the body. Anne McTiernan warns that you should not consume large amounts of soy, but instead eat a moderate amount to reduce your risk. A report by Pietinen and colleagues further suggests that you should consume flaxseed early in life to further reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. A review by Kushi and colleagues found that women with low levels of vitamin D or folate accounted for more cases of breast cancer. Kushi does not suggest you take supplements or large doses of these micronutrients, but instead eat a balanced diet that supplies the recommended intakes of vitamin D and folate.
Limit Alcohol and Fat Intake to Reduce Risk
Strong evidence suggests that you should limit or avoid intake of alcoholic beverages. Even two drinks a day increases your risk of developing breast cancer. More than 100 studies investigated the relationship between body weight and breast cancer incidence. Overwhelming evidence suggests that women should maintain a proper body weight and avoid weight gain in adult life to reduce your risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, states Anne McTiernan of the University of Washington. Consume a low-fat diet and pay attention to calories to maintain a proper body weight.
Lifestyle Modifications to Alter Risk
Increase your daily exercise to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Women of all ages need to exercise to reduce their risk, states the expert report by the American Institute for Cancer Research. Aim for at least four hours per week of moderate to vigorous exercise, claims Anne McTiernan of the University of Washington. She further states that women should breastfeed and control their body weight to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
Expert Panel Conclusion
An expert report, published by the American Institute for Cancer Research, reviewed all clinical trials to identify diet and lifestyle modifications that alter your risk of developing breast cancer. They concluded that lactation protects against breast cancer at all ages. Additionally, physical activity probably protects you from developing pre or post-menopausal breast cancer. Strong evidence supports reduction in intake or avoidance of alcoholic beverages and you should prevent adult weight gain by reducing fat intake. Consult your physician before making any modifications to your diet.
References
- National Cancer Institute: SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Breast Cancer
- "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective"; American Institute for Cancer Research; 2007
- "CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians"; American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Cancer With Healthy Food Choices and Physical Activity; LH Kushi, T Byers, C Doyle, et al.; Sept. 2006
- "Cancer, Epidemiology Markers and Prevention"; Serum enterolactone and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study in eastern Finland; P Pietinen, K Stumpf, S Mannisto, et al.; Apr. 2001
- "The Oncologist"; Behavioral Risk Factors in Breast Cancer: Can Risk be Modified?; A.McTiernan; May 2003
