Role of Dietary Intake and Biomarkers in Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case Control Study

Reproductive factors are not considered to play a significant role in the aetiology of breast cancer in low incidenceregions like Gujarat, although it is well established that they exert a major influence on such tumours in the westerndeveloped world. Women in the western Indian region have a very low prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumptionbut a high prevalence of vegetarianism. Noting the changes in the life style practices with increasing affluence islikely to yield several interesting findings in such a population. Physical activity and dietary factors have emerged asimportant parameters and their lack may contribute significantly to the risk of breast cancers. The breast cancerrisk significantly increased with higher consumption of total fat (>25% of total calories), frequent intake of friedfoods and sweets. A significant protection was offered by frequent consumption of green yellow leafy vegetables,foods rich in β-carotene and isoflavinoids. The present study demonstrated a good protective effect of dietary intakeof antioxidant vitamins. The breast cancer risk increases with elevation of circulating lipid components except HDLCholesterol.