Positive Health Online

Abstract

MASALA and others, Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, CSPO, Scientific Institute of Tuscany, Florence, Italy, have explored the connections between diet and the risk of breast cancer.

Background

High mammographic breast density has been associated with increased breast cancer risk, even after adjustment for established risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of diet on mammographic breast density.

Methodology

In a longitudinal study, 2,000 women were enrolled. A mammogram was taken 5 years after enrolment, when detailed information on dietary and lifestyle habits had been collected. Original mammograms were identified and retrieved (1,668; 83%), and mammographic breast density was assessed by 2 experienced readers.

Results

High mammographic breast density was confirmed to be inversely associated with body mass index, number of children and breast feeding, while it was directly associated with higher educational level, premenopausal status and a previous breast biopsy. In multivariate analyses adjusted for non-dietary variables, high mammographic breast density was inversely associated with increasing consumption of vegetables (p for trend = 0.005) and olive oil (p for trend = 0.04). An inverse association was also evident between high mammographic breast density and frequent consumption of cheese and high intakes of beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium and potassium (p for trend < or = 0.05). On the other hand, there was a positive association with increasing consumption of wine (p for trend = 0.01).

Conclusion

This large longitudinal study, the first carried out in Mediterranean women, suggests that specific dietary components may play a key role in determining mammographic breast density, thus possibly modulating the breast cancer risk.

References

Masala G, Ambrogetti D, Assedi M, Giorgi D, Del Turco MR, Palli D. Dietary and lifestyle determinants of mammographic breast density. A longitudinal study in a Mediterranean population. International Journal of Cancer 118 (7): 1782-1789, Apr 1, 2006.

Comment

The above studies reveal that diet and nutritional supplementation may play a role in modulating the incidence and risk of breast and colon cancer.