Breast Cancer Primary Prevention and Diet: An Umbrella Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) prevention lacks comprehensive guidelines based on pooled evidence.
• Dietary patterns are modifiable lifestyle factors influencing cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically summarize existing evidence on dietary styles and breast cancer risk.
• To inform guidelines and health policies for BC prevention.

Main Methods:

• Umbrella review methodology, synthesizing findings from meta-analyses and reviews.
• Critical appraisal of the quality of included second-level studies.

Main Results:

• Higher intake of meat, processed foods, and high-glycemic index foods associated with increased BC risk.
• Inverse association between vegetable, citrus fruit, and mushroom consumption and BC risk.
• Nutrients like calcium, folate, vitamin D, lignans, and carotenoids potentially reduce BC risk; evidence for others is conflicting.

Conclusions:

• Dietary choices significantly impact health and cancer risk.
• Adopting a healthy eating style is linked to a substantial reduction in breast cancer risk.