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Diet and breast cancer
H Adlercreutz1, Y Mousavi, K Höckerstedt
1Dept. of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Meilahti Hospital, Finland.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The Western diet may increase breast cancer risk by altering sex hormone levels and reducing protective plant compounds. This dietary pattern is linked to hormonal changes and lower levels of beneficial lignans and isoflavonoids.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The Western diet is associated with increased breast cancer risk.
- Mechanisms linking diet to cancer risk are being investigated.
- Dietary factors may influence hormone levels and cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between Western diet, sex hormone profiles, and breast cancer risk.
- To investigate the role of lignans and isoflavonoids in breast cancer etiology.
- To identify dietary patterns associated with hormonal changes and cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sex hormone levels and sex hormone binding globulin concentration.
- Assessment of lignan and isoflavonoid excretion from intestinal bacteria.
- Comparison of dietary patterns in different risk populations.
Main Results:
- Western diet elevates plasma sex hormones and decreases sex hormone binding globulin.
- Low formation of lignans and isoflavonoids is linked to Western diet.
- Hormonal patterns and low phyotestrogen excretion are observed in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and omnivores in high-risk areas.
Conclusions:
- Western diet may increase breast cancer risk through hormonal alterations and reduced intake of protective phyotestrogens.
- Dietary patterns, particularly in postmenopausal women, are associated with hormonal profiles linked to breast cancer.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between diet, hormones, and cancer development.