Intake of Various Food Groups and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

Abstract

Despite increasing evidence for the association of food-based dietary patterns with breast cancer risk, knowledge about the shape of the relationship and the quality of meta-evidence are insufficient. We aimed to summarize the associations between food groups and risks of breast cancer. We performed a systematic literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases up to March 2020. We included cohort, case-cohort, nested case-control studies, and follow-up studies of randomized controlled trials that investigated the relationship between breast cancer risk and at least 1 of the following food groups: red meat, processed meat, fish, poultry, egg, vegetables, fruit, dairy product (overall, milk, yogurt, and cheese), grains/cereals, nuts, legumes, soy, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using a random-effects model for linear and nonlinear relationships. Inverse linear associations were observed for vegetables (RR per 100 g/d, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99), fruit (RR per 100 g/d, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99), cheese (RR per 30 g/d, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–1.00), and soy (RR per 30 g/d, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94–0.99), while positive associations were observed for red (RR per 100 g/d, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.18) and processed meat (RR per 50 g/d, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04–1.33). None of the other food groups were significantly associated with breast cancer risk. A nonlinear association was observed only for milk, such that the intake of >450 g/d increased the risk, while no association was observed for lower intake amounts. High intakes of vegetables, fruit, cheese, and soy products and low intakes of red and processed meat were associated with lower risks of breast cancer. However, causality cannot be inferred from these statistical correlations.

The role of soy in development of breast, ovarian, endometrial and prostate gland cancer

“…Fraser et al indicated that replacing dairy milk with soy milk can decrease the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. In a meta-analysis performed by Kazemi et al, they found an association between an increase in soy consumption and decreased risk of BC [11]. The results of this study are in line with another meta-analysis -performed by Zhao et al [8].…”

A Narrative Review of the Role of Diet and Lifestyle Factors in the Development and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer

“…The reason why some studies have shown an increased risk of developing breast cancer through ingestion of isoflavones [ 281 , 287 ], whilst other studies have not confirmed such associations or have shown the opposite [ 179 , 180 , 277 , 279 , 283 , 285 , 286 , 288 , 289 ], is probably due to the presence of the oestrogen receptors in the starting neoplasm [ 281 ], the population under study [ 290 ] or the physical form that the isoflavone that is consumed [ 288 , 291 ]. Meta-analyses of different studies in various populations generally support the idea that moderate to high consumption of a diet that contains isoflavones prevents EC, ovarian and breast cancer and its recurrence [ 283 , 292 , 293 , 294 ]. These data suggest that a diet rich in isoflavones or that concentrated soy supplements, which contain much higher isoflavone concentrations will be beneficial, but until more research is done with pre- and peri- and postmenopausal cohorts, a definitive conclusion cannot be met.…”

Epidemiological Investigation of Canine Mammary Tumors in Mainland China Between 2017 and 2021

“…Food is typically regarded as one of the factors which can predispose to tumor development ( 20 , 21 ), and the diet management and potential food pollutant levels vary in different geographical regions in China, such as the Northeast China, Southeast China, Northwest China, and Southwest China. Hence, the epidemiological risk of tumor is probably associated with the geographical regions.…”