Low-Fat Diet &

Breast Cancer

 

 

 

It is known that breast cancer is less common in countries that consume low fat diets.  Recent research has now shown that a low fat diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in post-menopausal women who have had early stage breast cancer. 

 

Following a low fat diet by increasing fruit and vegetable intake may also help reduce your risk of several other cancers including colon, ovarian and lung.

 

In addition, low fat diets have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

Another added benefit to a low fat diet, is that it may promote weight loss or prevent weight gain which also helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.

 

What is a “low fat” diet? In the breast cancer research conducted, a low fat diet meant less than 20% of calories from fat.   For most women it means limiting your fat intake to 30 to 40 grams per day.

 

How to limit your fat intake

 

Choose foods from the low fat group as much as possible.  Limit high fat foods.  When you do have a high fat food choose foods that are high in monounsaturated fats *