Aashini Master, DO, assistant clinical professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, discusses the Mediterranean diet in relation to breast cancer risk.

The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, animal proteins sourced mainly from fish, and good fats derived from nuts. The diet is low in red meat and processed meats, which are components of a typical Western diet, says Master. Data have suggested that women who follow a Mediterranean diet have a decreased risk of developing breast cancer.

Another component of breast cancer risk is physical activity, says Master. Even in women who are not overweight, data have shown that physical activity is still beneficial. Although, it is especially important to incorporate physical activity, in addition to diet, into a treatment plan for overweight and obese women at risk for breast cancer.

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Aashini Master, DO, assistant clinical professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, discusses the Mediterranean diet in relation to breast cancer risk.
 

Dr. Master on the Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk

Aashini Master, DO, assistant clinical professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, discusses the WINS and WHEL trials in patients with breast cancer.

The 2 main studies looking at women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer and lifestyle modifications post-diagnosis are the WINS and WHEL trials. Both trials were run in parallel, though the data was published 1 year apart. The WINS trial showed a benefit in women who reduced their fat intake by approximately 20%. Women on average, had about a 6-pound weight loss and decreased their risk of breast cancer recurrence.

In the WHEL trial, the women who were in the intervention group didn’t demonstrate a weight loss. A 7.5-year follow-up did not demonstrate any benefit in recurrence-free survival. Physicians are now awaiting randomized trials to see if dietary fat reduction will lead to a benefit in recurrence risk, says Master.

Aashini Master, DO

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Dr. Master on the Mediterranean Diet in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk

Dr. Master on the Relationship Between Diet and Breast Cancer Recurrence