Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 22: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with over 2 million cases diagnosed annually. While non-modifiable risk factors like genetics and age play a role, lifestyle choices—including diet—can significantly influence the risk.

A recent study from Iran sheds light on how the quality of plant-based diets may impact breast cancer risk, particularly among postmenopausal women. The research involved 133 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 265 healthy women, analyzing their dietary habits through a food frequency questionnaire.

Key Findings:

• Healthy Plant-Based Diets Lower Risk: Women who followed a diet rich in healthy plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and vegetable oils—had approximately half the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with low adherence to such diets.

• Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets Increase Risk: In contrast, diets high in refined grains, sweets, sugary drinks, and potatoes were linked with a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.

• BMI and Cancer Risk: The protective effects of a healthy plant-based diet were more pronounced in women with a BMI below 25, suggesting weight management as a possible mediating factor.

• Nutritional Benefits: Healthy plant-based foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals, which may help combat inflammation, protect DNA, regulate cell cycles, and reduce cancer risk.

Limitations of the Study:

• Lack of Tumor Subtype Data: The study did not examine hormone receptor status (e.g., ER-positive or ER-negative), which limits interpretation across different cancer types.

• Recall Bias: Dietary intake was self-reported, potentially affecting accuracy.

• Sample Size and Scope: The sample was hospital-based and relatively small, highlighting the need for broader, population-based research.

Conclusion:

Yes, a healthy plant-based diet—emphasizing whole, minimally processed plant foods—can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women and those maintaining a healthy weight. However, not all plant-based diets are equally beneficial. Those rich in refined and sugary plant-based foods may actually increase the risk.

Future research should further explore how different types of breast cancer interact with diet and how hormonal status and therapy affect these relationships.