For women living in the United States, breast cancer death rates are higher than for every other cancer except lung cancer, according to BreastCancer.org. Understanding the causes and risks of breast cancer is an important way to decrease the incidence of this disease -- and the death rate. Some genetic associations have been discovered, but other possible risks for breast cancer are still being studied; one such association is between diet and breast cancer.
Dietary Fat
Studies in animals have found an association between high levels of dietary fat and breast cancer; when the relationship has been evaluated in women, the evidence is not so clear, as noted in a 2004 review article in the journal "Breast Cancer Research." A study published in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" found an association between the amount of dietary fat eaten during adolescence and the risk of breast cancer. Other long-term studies have shown no relationship between the two; however, a recent study published in a 2011 issue of "The American Journal of Pathology" determined that the elevated amounts of fat and cholesterol that are present in the typical American woman's diet were associated with more breast cancer and a faster onset of the disease. Dr. Philippe G. Frank and colleagues suggest that management of cholesterol levels may impact breast cancer disease as well.
Alcohol Consumption
Significant evidence indicates that alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. Increasing the intake of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, as noted by an article in "Breast Cancer Research in 2004. One theory is that the increased alcohol levels increase the amount of estrogen in the body, which may be the mechanism for the development of breast cancer. The effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk is reduced in women who consume enough folate or folic acid in their diets, as noted by the American Cancer Society. Women should limit themselves to one alcoholic drink per day.
Soy Products
Soy products contain chemicals called phytoestrogens, which are similar to the estrogens that women have in their bodies. Asian women eat more soy products for a longer period of time, and these women also tend to have a lower incidence of breast cancer than American women. Studies in these women have demonstrated a lower risk of breast cancer as well, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website. This association has not been found in the U.S.; the affect of the phytoestrogens on postmenopausal women is not clear either. You should speak with your doctor about adding soy products to your diet; although the protective effective effect seen in Asian women has not been seen in Americans, many physicians may suggest some consumption of foods containing soy.
Carbohydrates
Another association may exist between carbohydrates and breast cancer. Increased breast cancer incidence has been seen in women consuming large amounts of poor-quality carbohydrates like sweetened sodas, as noted in the "Breast Cancer Research" article. Another study of Mexican women found that high carbohydrate consumption was related to higher breast cancer risk, according a 2004 paper in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." High carbohydrate intakes may cause increased insulin and estrogen levels, but the actual mechanism for increased breast cancer development is not fully understood. The high carbohydrate intake may be related to obesity, which is also associated with elevated risk of breast cancer.
Considerations
Various studies have found relationships between certain foods and breast cancer, but the evidence is not conclusive. More research is underway to clarify any actual risk that may exist. In the meantime, you should focus on a healthy diet with plenty of exercise to avoid weight gain. Consuming alcohol in moderation, obtaining regular mammograms and performing self-breast examinations are other ways to protect yourself.
References
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The Role of Soy on Breast Cancer Risk and Survival
- American Cancer Society: What Are The Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
- "Breast Cancer Research;" Does Diet Affect Breast Cancer Risk?; Michelle D Holmes and Walter C Willett; 2004.
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention;" Carbohydrates and the Risk of Breast Cancer among Mexican Women; Isabelle Romieu et al.; 2004.
- "The American Journal of Pathology;" Role of Cholesterol in the Development and Progression of Breast Cancer; Phillipe G. Frank et al; 2011
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention;" Adolescent Diet in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk among Premenopausal Women; E. Linos et al.; 2010.
