Breast cancer prevention: Physicians call for less meat and dairy in US dietary guidelines

29 Aug 2024 --- A new US-wide survey by the Washington D.C.-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) reveals that only 28% of women are aware of the importance of a healthy diet for lowering the risk of developing breast cancer.

“An overarching problem is the US dietary guidelines — they must be revised to decrease the focus on dairy and meat despite their known links to health problems,” Stephanie McBurnett, a registered dietitian with PCRM, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“Instead, the guidelines should focus on the multitude of benefits of a plant-based diet. Additionally, physicians and other health care providers aren’t adequately trained in nutrition. That is a huge barrier to the lifesaving message of diet’s role in disease prevention reaching patients,” she details.

The survey collected the responses of 2,017 US women interviewed in July 2024. Responding to a question about the specific foods they see as having the potential to reduce breast cancer risk, 23% mentioned vegetables and 16% fruits. Soy products were identified as beneficial by 17% of participants, while 16% wrongly stated that they believe soy increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

“Health care providers have a huge responsibility, but it all begins with ensuring they’re appropriately educated on nutrition.”

Stephanie McBurnett, a registered dietitian with the PCRM (Image credit: PCRM).Spreading awareness

The results from the survey indicate that awareness of the preventive steps women can take to prevent the development of breast cancer has not been increasing. A similar survey of 510 women conducted in 1995 yielded similar results.

Given that awareness has not significantly increased since 1995, McBurnett calls for new strategies to effectively communicate the link between nutrition and cancer.

“Medical schools have to begin acknowledging and plugging curriculum gaps in nutrition when it comes to training the next generation of physicians,” she asserts. 

“States can increasingly consider passing laws that enhance nutrition education for physicians,” she continues. “For example, New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law a bill that will ensure physicians are kept informed about the latest continuing medical education opportunities in nutrition.”

“The new law will help doctors in the state improve patient health outcomes and reduce racial disparities for the millions of New Yorkers struggling with diet-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease through clinically proven methods like adopting a plant-based diet.”

She points out that healthcare advocacy organizations also play a role in bridging “the nutrition-education gap.” 

“The PCRM, for example, provides medical students and other health care professionals with plant-based resources, including workshops and presentations, to change the future of patient care.” 

Diet tips 

Dr. Kristi Funk, a breast cancer surgeon and leading prevention expert from Los Angeles, US, says that it is clear that millions of women have yet to fully realize that what they eat and drink “strongly” influences their chances of developing breast cancer. 

“Science shows nearly 50% of cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle, at least in theory, and in my opinion, 80-90% of cases could be avoided.”

Neal Barnard, president of the PCRM, similarly states: “Public education programs on breast cancer have focused on mammograms, which play a vital role, but are not enough. It is essential to empower people with steps they can take to protect themselves, and a healthy diet is at the top of the list.”

McBurnett provides examples of foods that align with the low-fat, plant-based diet recommended for breast cancer prevention.

McBurnett recommends chickpea-based foods, such as falafel and hummus for breast cancer prevention.“Foods that provide extra breast-boosting power are items rich in fiber like chickpeas, perhaps in a hummus and chickpea falafel wrap, or meals that have soy, the breast superfood, in a shredded tofu taco with all the fixings, including salsa, black olives, roasted corn and avocado.”

She encourages women to join the “Let’s Beat Breast Cancer” campaign to be notified of upcoming events, get cancer-fighting tips and to gain access to Funk’s recipes, such as the “Cancer-Kicking Buddha Bowl.” The campaign’s e-cookbook also contains healthy plant-based meals, such as a 5-Minute Carrot Cake Oatmeal, a Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry, Bean and the “Avocado Tostitos Supreme.” 

Plant-based diets can be indulging

A common misconception about plant-based diets that McBurnett faces when recommending a plant-based diet to her patients is the idea that such meals can be boring or unappealing. 

“Contrary to the belief that a plant-based diet is limited to just salad, it actually can include a diverse range of foods. Your plate can be filled with whole grains, beans like roasted chickpeas, sauteed mushrooms and grilled vegetables, for example, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal,” she asserts.

“Dispelling another myth, plant-based diets are not lacking in protein. In fact, research shows that plant proteins, when consumed in adequate amounts, not only provide sufficient protein, but are also superior for our health.” 

“Unlike animal-based proteins, plant proteins are cholesterol-free, lower in saturated fat and rich in fiber, making them a healthier choice.”

She brings attention to the PRCM’s directory of plant-based dietitians “who are well versed on the benefits of eating plant-based diets, as well as the barriers that an individual can face when making their health a priority through diet.” 

“Dietitians and other health care providers are extremely important when it comes to disseminating health information. Dietitians know that what we eat can make a huge impact on health and should be leaned on to provide education to the community,” McBurnett concludes.

By Milana Nikolova