What is the relationship between dietary fat intake and breast cancer risk?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Controversy exists on the role of dietary fat on the promotion of breast cancer. Some studies suggest that the type of fat you eat may initiate the development of breast cancer. To take this into consideration, we recommend that you:
- Limit your intake of highly saturated foods like beef, lamb, organ meats, cheeses, cream, butter, and ice cream.
- Decrease your intake of foods with trans fatty acids, like commercially prepared baked goods, crackers, and margarine.
- Increase how much poultry, fish and vegetarian proteins (like legumes and lentils) you eat. Fish contains omega-3-polyunsaturated fat. Research suggests that these fatty acids may inhibit the growth of breast tumors.
Controversy exists on the role of dietary fat on the promotion of breast cancer. Some studies suggest that the type of fat you eat may initiate the development of breast cancer. To take this into consideration, we recommend that you: Limit your... More -
Dr. Dean Ornish answered:A study by Dr. Rowan T. Chlebowski found that women who reduced their dietary fat intake to only 20 percent (about 33 grams of fat per day) reduced their risk of breast cancer recurrence by 42 percent after five years when compared with a randomized comparison group who consumed 51 grams of fat per day. However, this effect was only seen in estrogen negative breast cancer.
These findings were supported by a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the AARP, which examined women who made bigger reductions in dietary fat than did those in the Women’s Health Initiative. In a study of almost 190,000 women with an average follow-up time of 4.4 years, the authors concluded, “In this large prospective cohort with a wide range of fat intake, dietary fat intake was directly associated with the risk of postmenopausal invasive breast cancer.”
What made this study so important is that it examined a much larger range of fat intake than was seen in the Women’s Health Initiative Study, in which only 2 percent of the women reported consuming a diet that was less than 20 percent fat. In contrast, 10 percent of the women in the NIHAARP study reported consuming a diet that was less than 20 percent fat.
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A study by Dr. Rowan T. Chlebowski found that women who reduced their dietary fat intake to only 20 percent (about 33 grams of fat per day) reduced their risk of breast cancer recurrence by 42 percent after five years when compared with a randomized... More -
Dr. Ajay Sahajpal of Aurora Health Care answered:The type of fat one consumes may affect the risk of breast cancer. Some studies have shown that intake of monounsaturated fats (olive and canola oils) can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Other studies have shown that teen females that consume a high fat diet have an increased risk of breast cancer when they become post-menopausal. More studies need to be completed to fully understand the impact that dietary fat has on the risk of breast cancer development.
The type of fat one consumes may affect the risk of breast cancer. Some studies have shown that intake of monounsaturated fats (olive and canola oils) can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Other studies have shown that teen females that consume a... More -
Dr. Hank Schmidt of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:A significant number of clinical studies have addressed this question, attempting to link dietary fat intake with breast cancer risk. Numerous studies have had mixed results, and even combined analyses of multiple trials have yielded no consensus. One of the largest dietary intervention studies was performed through the Women’s Health Initiative and assigned post-menopausal women to one of two groups: those who significantly reduced their fat intake and increased fruits and vegetables and those who did not change their diet. After eight years of follow-up, this study revealed a trend toward lower breast cancer risk in patients who reduced fat in their diet. Other studies have linked reduced dietary fat intake with decreased serum estrogen levels, a significant factor in breast cancer development. While clinical trials demonstrate only a modest connection between dietary fat and breast cancer risk, it is important to remember that a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables provides a number of health benefits including reduced risk of other cancers and chronic diseases.
A significant number of clinical studies have addressed this question, attempting to link dietary fat intake with breast cancer risk. Numerous studies have had mixed results, and even combined analyses of multiple trials have yielded no consensus.... More
