by Most US women did not mention diet when asked how they could reduce their chances of getting breast cancer, even though it is a major risk factor, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. (PCRM).
Only 28 percent of women who completed the 15-minute online survey in July cited food as a possible way to reduce their risk, but 56 percent cited screening methods such as mammograms.
“It is clear that millions of women have yet to hear the life-saving message that what they eat and drink has a strong impact on their chances of developing breast cancer,” said Dr. Kristi Funk, cancer surgeon breast and prevention expert, in a statement.
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“Science shows that almost 50 percent of cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle, at least in theory, and I think 80 to 90 percent of cases could be avoided.”
But the results of the survey showed that little progress has been made in spreading awareness about breast cancer prevention in the last 30 years. In a 1995 telephone survey of 510 women, 23 percent cited diet as a possible prevention method—just 5 percentage points lower than last month.
“Public education programs on breast cancer focus on mammograms, which play a vital role, but they are not enough. Empowering people with steps they can take to protect themselves is essential, and a healthy diet is at the top of the list , ie ” Said Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the PCRM, in a statement.
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When respondents to the online survey were asked about foods that could reduce breast cancer risk, 61 percent could recall at least one food or dietary habit that could help.
The most common answer was that being overweight or having a high intake of processed meat could increase the risk of breast cancer. 23 percent of the women mentioned vegetables, and 16 percent mentioned fruits.
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“Soy foods like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk are high in isoflavones that have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer,” registered dietitian Stephanie McBurnett told Newsweek.
“In addition, the phytoestrogens or plant estrogens in soy foods tend to reduce human estrogen levels in the body, which may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.”
However, only 17 percent of the women interviewed by the PCRM knew that soy could reduce the risk of breast cancer, and 16 percent thought that soy could increase it.
Just under a quarter of respondents – 24 percent – said higher consumption of dairy products could increase breast cancer risk. Research shows that one cup of cow’s milk a day may equate to a 50 percent increase in breast cancer risk, while two to three cups a day may mean an 80 percent increase.
Only 2 percent of survey respondents cited a plant-based or vegetarian diet as a possible breast cancer prevention strategy.
The PCRM also found that 72 percent of respondents said they had never received education or information about the link between nutrition, diet and breast cancer risk from a health care professional.
McBurnett said News Week that high fiber foods, soy foods, flax seeds and cruciferous vegetables contained nutrients that could reduce the risk of breast cancer.
“Fiber is only found in plant foods and has various health benefits, including helping to remove waste, such as excess estrogen and carcinogens, from our system. Legumes, including chickpeas, are very high in fiber, ” she said. “Ground flaxseed contains special fibers called lignans, which have been shown to block estrogen receptors and reduce the growth of breast cancer.
“Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
and kale, there are high amounts of sulforaphane, a compound found to be
anticancer and estrogen blocking properties.”
McBurnett also explained that some animal foods are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as sausage, bacon, turkey bacon, ham, hot dogs, deli slices and eggs.
“Diets high in fat and meat tend to be low in fiber and antioxidants and high in saturated fat and carcinogens,” she said.
Data was collected from a variety of demographics and then weighted to represent the US adult female population in terms of age, race, region and education level. Women were more likely to be better informed if they were older, more educated or wealthier.
September is breast cancer awareness month in the US To reduce your risk, the PCRM recommends eating a whole-food plant-based diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight. McBurnett said News Week her best advice for lowering breast cancer risk.
“Eat plants!” she said. “The more you fill your plate with nutritious plants full of fiber rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, the lower your risk of breast cancer.
“Eat soy. Women who eat the most soy have the lowest risk of breast cancer.
“Eat less meat. Every time you replace meat with plant proteins, you are reducing your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
“Move as much as possible. Exercise reduces estrogen levels in the blood and women who move regularly have lower rates of breast cancer.
“Limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a known carcinogen and is strongly linked to breast cancer. Try a new smoothie or a frizzy fruit-infused drink instead!”
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Reference
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine & Morning Consultation. (2024, August). Beliefs About Dietary Factors in Breast Cancer Prevention among American Women. https://pcrm.widen.net/s/fblnjvzsdh/pcrm-breast-cancer-awareness-8.15.24
