NUTRECOR research group
IDISBA | Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Research staff from the CIBER of the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), IdISBa (Balearic Islands Health Research Institute) and WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund International) study the relationship between dietary patterns, lifestyle and the risk of breast cancer, concluding that following these recommendations significantly reduces the risk, especially in postmenopausal women. For premenopausal women, studies are more limited, but the available data are also promising. The study, titled “Adulthood Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns and the Risk of Breast Cancer: Global Cancer Update Program (CUP Global) systematic literature review“.
Women who follow the healthy dietary and lifestyle recommendations proposed by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have a lower risk of developing breast cancer , according to a recent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In this review, 84 scientific articles were analyzed that explore various dietary patterns, such as the low-fat diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Western diet, the vegetarian diet, as well as patterns that combine diet with other lifestyle factors (physical activity and adiposity). Patterns based on WCRF/AICR and ACS recommendations for cancer prevention, as well as general guidelines for healthy living, such as the Healthy Lifestyle Indices, were also studied.
The research updates the evidence on the relationship between dietary patterns, lifestyle and the risk of breast cancer, concluding that following these recommendations significantly reduces the risk, especially in postmenopausal women. For premenopausal women, studies are more limited, but the available data are also promising.
New, more complex and global approach
Postdoctoral researchers from IdISBa and CIBEROBN Jadwiga Konieczna, Alice Chaplin and Dora Romaguera, principal researcher of the NUTRECOR group, highlight that “lThe most innovative aspect of this study is the comprehensive approach we used to analyze how the risk of breast cancer can be reduced. Until now, most studies on the link between diet and cancer have focused primarily on individual nutrients or food groups (such as fruits, vegetables, soy foods, fiber, meat, saturated fats, or alcohol). However, in reality, what counts is the entire diet, since it is likely that the compounds act interactively and synergistically with each other. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that a pattern that combines a balanced diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can have a significant impact on breast cancer risk.“.
Breast cancer in the world
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern, with 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths recorded in 2020. Despite advances in research, scientists highlight the need for more studies in women premenopausal and in specific tumor subtypes.
This work reinforces the importance of a multidimensional approach in breast cancer prevention and lays the foundation for future clinical guidelines.
Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle
As a conclusion to this scientific review, the study highlights that, in addition to avoiding tobacco, it is crucial to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduce alcohol consumption and limit the intake of red and processed meat. These habits, combined with regular physical exercise and body weight control, offer a notable protective effect against breast cancer.
These guidelines are aligned with WCRF/AICR and ACS recommendations to reduce breast cancer risk.
Reference:
Becerra-Tomás N, Balducci K, Abar L, Aune D, Cariolou M, Greenwood DC, Markozannes G, Nanu N, Vieira R, Giovannucci EL, Gunter MJ, Jackson AA, Kampman E, Lund V, Allen K, Brockton NT, Croker H, Katsikioti D, McGinley-Gieser D, Mitrou P, Wiseman M, Cross AJ, Riboli E, Clinton SK, McTiernan A, Norat T, Tsilidis KK, Chan DSM. Postdiagnosis dietary factors, supplement use and breast cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Program (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Int J Cancer. 2023 Feb 15;152(4):616-634. doi: 10.1002/ijc.34321. Epub 2022 Oct 24. PMID: 36279902; PMCID: PMC10092903.