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The Impact of Diet on Breast Cancer Outcomes

  • Cancer (MF Leitzmann, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, yet conclusive evidence of the effects of dietary modification in breast cancer survivors is lacking. Here, we summarize the literature and highlight important data regarding the association between dietary interventions and breast cancer outcomes.

Recent Findings

Long-term follow-up and secondary analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative study demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival for women who were randomized to the low-fat diet pattern compared with those in the usual-diet group. Dietary quality as measured by Healthy Eating Index score was also associated with both a decrease in cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality.

Summary

Despite current evidence on the role of diet and nutrition in breast cancer outcomes, conclusive data to translate current findings to clinical practice is lacking and requires multidisciplinary prospective research to advance the field.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Lai Xu & Lindsay L. Peterson

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Correspondence to Lindsay L. Peterson.

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Lai Xu declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Lindsay L. Peterson has received compensation from the American Cancer Society for participation as a member of its external review board.

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Xu, L., Peterson, L.L. The Impact of Diet on Breast Cancer Outcomes. Curr Nutr Rep 8, 212–221 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-019-00278-0

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