Breast Cancer

Prevention

• Alcohol, even low intake, increases the risk of breast cancer. Avoid/Limit alcohol intake to reduce risk (1, 2). Possible mechanisms include alcohol induced changes in estrogen and other hormones that may increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition alcohol is a known carcinogen (2)

• Regular physical activity (1, 2). Parciuarly vigorous activity reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer (2)

• Maintain a healthy weight (1, 2). Overweight causes increased inflammation and insulin levels which may cancerous changes in cells or stimulate cell growth (2)

• Breast feeding your baby reduces the risk of breast cancer through reducing the exposure to menstrual cycles. In addition, shedding of tissue during and after lactation reduces the risk of breast cancer (1, 2)

• Limited evidence shows that intake of non-starchy vegetables may reduce risk of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer (3)

• Limited evidence shows that intake of foods with carotenoids may reduce risk of breast cancer (unspecified) (3)

• Limited evidence shows that intake of dairy, and also high intake of calcium may reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer (3)

NUTRITION

• Some evidence indicate that people consuming a low fat diet have reduced risk of death after being diagnosed with breast cancer (1)