A new survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult reveals that only 28% of U.S. women are aware that a healthy diet can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
The poll, conducted from July 25-28, 2024, included 2,017 women and highlights a major gap in public knowledge about breast cancer prevention.
Lack of Awareness on Diet and Breast Cancer Prevention
When asked which specific foods might help reduce breast cancer risk:
- 23% mentioned vegetables
- 16% mentioned fruits
- Only 17% knew that soy products reduce breast cancer risk
- 16% mistakenly believed that soy increases the risk
These findings show little progress in public awareness over the past three decades. A 1995 survey of 510 women found that only 23% cited dietary factors—such as reducing fat and meat intake or increasing vegetables, fruit, and fiber—as a way to lower breast cancer risk.
Dr. Kristi Funk, a breast cancer surgeon and prevention expert, expressed concern over the lack of awareness. “Millions of women have yet to hear the lifesaving message that diet and lifestyle strongly influence breast cancer risk,” she said. She pointed out that research suggests up to 50% of breast cancer cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle, and in her opinion, 80-90% could be avoided.
Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, noted that public education efforts have largely focused on mammograms, which play an important role in early detection but do not preventcancer. “It is essential to empower people with steps they can take to protect themselves, and a healthy diet is at the top of the list,” he said.
Foods That Increase Breast Cancer Risk
The survey also asked women about foods and lifestyle factors that increase cancer risk. Women were most likely to cite:
Being overweight
High consumption of processed meats
However, only 24% were aware that high dairy consumption increases breast cancer risk.
Previous research has linked dairy intake to a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer:
- Drinking ¼ to ⅓ cup of milk per day was associated with a 30% increased risk
- Drinking one cup per day raised the risk by 50%
- Drinking two to three cups per day increased the risk by 80%
Major Gap in Doctor-Patient Education
Perhaps the most concerning finding is that 72% of women reported never receiving any information from a health care professional about the link between diet and breast cancer risk.
Health experts are calling for more education and advocacy to ensure women understand how nutrition impacts their cancer risk.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a national nonprofit health advocacy group of over 17,000 doctors, recommends a four-step approach to breast cancer prevention:
Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans)
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight
Registered dietitian Stephanie McBurnett emphasized that these lifestyle choices not only lower the risk of developing breast cancer but also improve outcomes for breast cancer survivors.
This study highlights the urgent need for better education on the role of diet in breast cancer prevention. While early detection through mammograms remains important, women must also be informed about dietary and lifestyle choicesthat can significantly reduce their cancer risk.
Health organizations and doctors are being urged to take a more active role in spreading this information, ensuring that women are empowered with knowledge that could save lives.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and new way to increase the longevity of cancer survivors.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about how to fight cancer with these anti-cancer superfoods, and results showing daily vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce cancer death risk.
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