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Macronutrient supplements may reduce breast cancer risk: how, when and which?
1Oncology Department, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 5, 1997
Summary
Dietary fiber intake may lower breast cancer risk by reducing estrogen levels and insulin resistance, particularly in pre-menopausal women over 40. Soy protein shows promise as a beneficial supplement.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity and Western diets (high-fat/low-fiber) are linked to increased estrogen levels, a potential breast cancer risk factor.
- These dietary and lifestyle factors may also promote insulin resistance, exacerbating estrogen's effects.
- Hyperinsulinemia can synergize with estrogen, potentially driving pre-neoplastic lesion progression in pre-menopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific fiber-associated macronutrients and reduced breast cancer risk.
- To explore potential mechanisms, optimal timing for dietary interventions, and suitable supplement choices.
Main Methods:
- This review differentiates the hormone-metabolic effects of diet from body mass and fat distribution.
- It considers the age-specific impact of these factors on breast cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Increased fiber-associated macronutrient intake may decrease insulin resistance and circulating estrogen levels.
- This suggests a potential protective effect against breast cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intervention for breast cancer risk reduction may be most effective in pre-menopausal women over 40 with atypical hyperplasia.
- Soy protein constituents demonstrate potential in inhibiting mammary cancer growth in laboratory models.