Breast Cancer - Diet

But Genes Aren't Everything! Behavior Is Key...Because It Can Be Altered
While researchers, doctors, and even some at-risk individuals may focus their attention on breast cancer genes, they may be missing behavioral risk factors that are proven keys to lowering cancer risk. A study of 119 women who had signed up to be tested for genetic mutations that have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer, found that 27 percent did not exercise regularly and 39 percent did not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Relevant to skin cancer, 46 percent did not protect themselves from sun exposure.

"Seventy to 80 percent of cancers have been linked to behavioral factors," said Karen Emmons of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who led the study. Five to 10 percent of cancers are due to genetic mutations, so doctors shouldn't lose sight of the many practical steps people can take to lower their odds, she noted.

As smoking is linked to lung cancer, people who exercise and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially vegetarians, have a much lower risk of many forms of cancer as well as heart disease.

Emmons estimates that only 10 percent to 20 percent of women who get the genetic test are also told how they can reduce their overall risk of cancer. The study supports the need for doctors to do a better job in promoting preventive steps.

Emmons KM, Kalkbrenner KJ, Klar N, Light T, Schneider KA, Garber JE. Behavioral risk factors among women presenting for genetic testing. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000 Jan;9(1):89-94.

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