A low-fat, vegetable-rich diet and weight control can prevent breast cancer and improve survival after diagnosis, according to the results of two complementary studies from the Women's Health Initiative.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousA low-fat, high-vegetable diet and body weight control can prevent the onset of breast cancer and improve survival following diagnosis: this is what emerges from the results of two complementary studies of the Women's Health Initiative.
Relationship between weight control and breast cancer
According to two complementary studies by the Women 'Health Initiative (WHI), diet and weight maintenance play a key role in breast cancer prevention and survival after diagnosis.
Obesity and overweight represent a serious health problem for many diseases, including cancer. The AIRC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has identified thirteen types of cancer strongly associated with obesity, including breast cancer. The breast cancer it is the most common cancer in postmenopausal women and is strongly related to obesity.
The first WHI study is an observational study of over 60 healthy postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79. Upon completion of the study, the results showed a decrease in the incidence of breast cancer in women who reported 5% or more weight loss.
Role of diet in breast cancer
The second study is a randomized clinical trial involving approximately 49 healthy postmenopausal women who were given a low-fat diet with larger portions of fruit, vegetables and cereals.
Several years after the dietary modification, the reduction in the incidence of breast cancer was not statistically significant. However, a increased survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer and who had changed their diet to include more vegetables and limited fat intake.
The women who participated in the study reported a slight decrease in body weight following dietary changes, but the increase in survival was attributed to the change in diet.
Although more research is needed, the results of these two studies indicate a key role for diet and body weight control in breast cancer prevention and in survival following the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Moderating daily calorie intake and improving diet composition can significantly reduce the possibility of breast cancer diagnosis in menopausal women and increase the chances of survival after the onset of the disease.
Tatiana Maselli
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