When asked how they could reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, most U.S. women did not mention their diet, even though it is a major risk factor for breast cancer, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).
Only 28 percent of women who completed the 15-minute online survey in July mentioned food as a potential way to reduce their risk, while 56 percent mentioned screening methods such as mammography.
“It’s clear that millions of women have not yet heard the lifesaving message that what they eat and drink greatly impacts their chances of developing breast cancer,” Dr. Kristi Funk, a breast cancer surgeon and prevention expert, said in a statement.
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“The science shows that about 50 percent of cases are preventable, at least in theory, through diet and lifestyle, and in my opinion 80 to 90 percent of cases are preventable.”
But the survey results showed that little progress has been made in spreading awareness about breast cancer prevention in the past 30 years. In a 1995 telephone survey of 510 women, 23 percent cited diet as a possible prevention method, down only 5 percentage points from the previous month.
“Public education programs for breast cancer have focused on mammograms, which play a vital role, but it is 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,” PCRM president Dr. Neal Barnard said in a statement.
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When online survey participants were asked about foods that may reduce breast cancer risk, 61 percent said at least one food or eating habit could help.
The most common response was that being overweight or eating high amounts of processed meats could increase the risk of breast cancer. 23% of women said vegetables, and 16% said fruits.
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“Soy foods like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk are rich in isoflavones, which have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer,” dietitian Stephanie McBurnett told Newsweek.
“Additionally, phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, in soy foods tend to lower human estrogen levels in the body, which may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.”
But only 17 percent of women interviewed by PCRM knew that soy might reduce their risk of breast cancer, while 16 percent thought soy might increase that risk.
Just under a quarter of respondents (24%) said that higher consumption of dairy products could contribute to breast cancer risk. Research suggests that drinking one cup of cow’s milk a day could be equal to a 50% increase in breast cancer risk, while drinking two to three cups a day could mean an 80% increase.
Only 2 percent of those surveyed said a plant-based or vegetarian diet was a possible strategy for preventing breast cancer.
The PCRM also found that 72 percent of participants received no education or information from a health care professional about the link between nutrition, diet and breast cancer risk.
McBurnett said Newsweek High-fiber foods, soy foods, flaxseed and cruciferous vegetables contain nutrients that may reduce the risk of breast cancer, she noted.
“Fiber is only found in plant foods and has several health benefits, including helping to flush waste products like 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 cabbage contains high amounts of sulforaphane, a compound
“Anti-cancer and estrogen-blocking properties.”
McBurnett also explained that certain animal foods, such as sausage, bacon, turkey bacon, ham, hot dogs, deli slices and eggs, are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
“Fatty and meaty diets tend to be low in fiber and antioxidants and high in saturated fat and carcinogens,” he said.
Data were collected across a range of demographics and then weighted to represent the adult female U.S. 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 more affluent.
September is breast cancer awareness month in the United States. To reduce your risk, PCRM recommends eating a whole-food, plant-based diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight. McBurnett says: Newsweek Her most important advice for reducing breast cancer risk.
“Eat plants!” she said. “The more you fill your plate with nutritious, fiber-filled plants that are 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 reduce your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
“Move as much as possible. Exercise lowers estrogen levels in the blood, and women who exercise regularly have lower rates of breast cancer.
“Limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a known carcinogen and is highly linked to breast cancer. Try a new mocktail or fun fruit-flavored twist instead!”
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Reference
Responsible Medical Physicians Committee and Morning Consultation. (2024, August). Beliefs About Nutritional Factors in Breast Cancer Prevention Among American Women. https://pcrm.widen.net/s/fblnjvzsdh/pcrm-breast-cancer-awareness-8.15.24