According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, a new study suggests that Asian women who eat a Western diet rich in meat, white bread, milk, and puddings may have a higher risk of breast cancer.
A study of 1,500 Chinese women showed that those who ate a "meat-sweet" diet were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as women whose diet was primarily vegetables. While the probability of Asian women developing breast cancer is lower than in Western countries, the number of cases is on the rise. Published in the journal *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention*, the study suggests that rising obesity rates may be a key factor. The research found that the doubled risk of breast cancer associated with a Western diet was only seen in postmenopausal obese women. Women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 were at the highest risk.
Researchers from the Fox Chase Cancer Center stated: "For postmenopausal women, a Western diet in combination with successful weight control could effectively prevent breast cancer. Now, Western countries are increasingly adopting dietary characteristics of Asian populations to reduce the risk of breast cancer."
The "meat-sweet" diet identified by researchers includes a variety of meats and fish, as well as sweets, puddings, white bread, and milk. The traditional Chinese "vegetable-soy" diet consists of a variety of vegetables, soy products, and freshwater fish. According to the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, in the 1990s, the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in major Chinese cities increased by 37% and 38.9%, respectively. While better diagnosis is thought to explain some of this rise, environmental factors, including dietary changes, are also considered crucial.
In Western countries, scientists estimate that about 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by obesity. More than 100 studies have shown that postmenopausal obese women have a higher risk of breast cancer. However, the organization "Breakthrough Breast Cancer" notes that it is still difficult to disentangle the multifaceted factors, and this study does not seem to account for some factors, such as late childbirth, lack of exercise, or medication. Dr. Sarah Kent, a senior policy officer for the charity, said: "Overall, it is still very difficult to determine the effect of diet on the risk of breast cancer. We cannot yet identify which specific dietary elements affect the probability of developing the disease."