Lifestyle and Breast Cancer Risk

From a recent study out of Poland, there is evidence for a direct relationship between several lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk. In a case-control study involving data from 858 women with breast cancer and 1,085 controls (free of cancer), various diet and lifestyle factors were found to be associated with risk of breast cancer. Among both pre- and post-menopausal women, increased levels of fruit or vegetable intake, vitamin intake, recreational physical activity, a longer period of breastfeeding, and a late age of menarche were found to exert protective effects against breast cancer, while active or passive smoking, experience of psychological stress, and family history of breast cancer were positively associated with breast cancer. In premenopausal women alone, consumption of red meat or animal fats was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while in postmenopausal women alone, obesity, and increased alcohol intake were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

"Association of Lifestyle and Other Risk Factors with Breast Cancer According to Menopausal Status: A Case-Control Study in the Region of Western Pomerania (Poland)," Kruk J, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2007; 8(4): 513-24