Breast cancer: incidence, nutritional concerns, and treatment approaches

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Western cultural factors, such as high socioeconomic status, early age of menarche, and late age at first pregnancy, may be risk factors in the development of breast cancer. A strong positive correlation exists worldwide between fat consumption and breast cancer. Case-controlled studies also support an association of a high-fat diet and breast cancer. Animal studies using rats or mice have verified that fat is a promoter of breast cancer after exposure to a known chemical carcinogen. A high-fat diet resulted in a higher incidence of breast tumors than a low-fat diet. Recent rodent studies further suggest that a reduction in calories alone reduces breast cancer incidence. Furthermore, studies reveal that the 5-year survival is about 80% after appropriate therapy (surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) for breast cancer, with early detection by self-examination as the first step to improve outcomes. Excision of the breast tumor (segmental mastectomy) and some surrounding normal tissue followed by radiation therapy can be as effective therapy for most small breast cancers as total or radical mastectomy. The authors strongly recommend obtaining medical evaluation for any lump or thickening in the breast and following good dietary practices.