Plant-Based Diet Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer by Pamela A. Popper Ph.D., N.D.
Insulin-like Growth factor (IGF-I) is a hormone that increases the risk of many forms of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. The foods you eat can have a profound effect on circulating blood levels of IGF-I. Animal foods, particularly dairy, for example, contribute to higher levels, while eating a diet rich in plant foods lowers IGF-I levels. This is one of the mechanisms of action for the relationship between a low-fat plant-based diet and reduced risk of breast and prostate cancers.
The BRCA gene is responsible for DNA repair; women with mutations of this gene are more susceptible to breast cancer.
A recent study examined the effect of a plant-based diet on women who have the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 mutations. Researchers matched 209 cases of women who already had breast cancer to 99 controls, all of whom were considered to be genetically at high risk. After measuring IGF-I levels in both groups, the researchers determined that women with the highest IGF-I levels had a 3.5 times higher risk of breast cancer as compared to those with the lowest levels.
In addition to lowering IGF-I levels, a plant-based diet is rich in antioxidants, which also help with DNA repair. This may compensate for the mutated BRCA-I and 2 gene mutations.
The take-home point, and this study is only one of a growing number of studies showing this, is that you do not have to be a victim of your genetic predisposition. In the case of breast cancer, a higher percentage of women in the general population develop it than in the group that has the gene mutation, indicating that factors other than genes are responsible, like diet.
Diet is a powerful tool for reducing your risk of breast and all other types of cancer too.
Pasanisi P, Bruno E, Venturelli E, et al. Serum levels of IGF-I and BRCA penetrance: a case control study in breast cancer families. Fam Cancer. Published ahead of print Apr 1, 2011.
Audrey’s Note: I can help you adopt a plant-based diet. Get in touch with me, re nutrition classes, Wellness Forum Membership, and cooking classes.