Breast Cancer

It is not clear whether a high-fat diet is associated with breast cancer. Overweight or obese women are thought to be at greater risk for developing the disease. With increased weight, there are greater amounts of estrogen produced by the body. Just as estrogen in HRT increases breast cancer risk, high amounts of estrogen produced by women before menopause may also increase the risk of breast cancer. One recent study suggested the red meat and processed meat consumption may be linked to breast cancer, as well. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. (British Journal of Cancer, April 2007-UKWCS).

Studies on breast cancer incidence reveal rates in American women are much higher than in women of other populations. Women from Mediterranean areas, where olive oil and fish oil comprise a large part of the diet, have less breast cancer, even though caloric intake from fat is higher than for American women. Also, women who live in sunnier areas tend to have a lower incidence of breast cancer. This prompted several new studies, which indicate that Vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer.