Breast cancer: Saturated fat could increase risk of condition by around 20%
A new link between breast cancer and the consumption of saturated fat has been discovered, according to findings published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Combined results from 45 different studies suggest there is a relationship between breast cancer and dietary fat that is independent of previous findings linked to obesity and high calorie consumption.
The analysis, which included 25,000 breast cancer patients and over 580,000 healthy women worldwide, found that women who ate high amounts of saturated fat were, on average, 20% more likely to develop breast cancer than low consumers of fat.
Large amounts of monounsaturated fats increased risk by about 10%, while overall fat consumption was related to an increase of 13%.
Researchers also found a link between high meat consumption and the risk of developing the disease. Women who ate large amounts of meat were found to be 17% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who ate little or none.
The lead researcher of the study at Ontario Cancer Institute in Canada, Dr Norman Boyd, said that scientists already know that being obese can increase the risk of a range of cancers, but this is the first evidence that eating large amounts of fat, particularly saturated fat, can independently increase risk.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said the findings make a good case for women to follow a balanced diet.
"It's been very difficult to separate out the effects of dietary fat and obesity. Previous studies have been inconclusive. But by combining data from a wide range of studies, using different methods and including a very large number of people, this research provides the strongest indication yet that dietary fat has an independent effect on the risk of breast cancer.
"Tying down the various dietary contributors to cancer is important, as it will allow us to give the best possible advice about how to avoid cancer. The effect of dietary fat looks quite small, but the results add weight to the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, low in saturated fat and containing plenty of fruit and vegetables," she said.
