Researchers Reveal Link Between Breast Cancer and Early Diet

Ladies, if ever there was an incentive for you to eat healthily this is it. Some new research has revealed that a poor diet early in life can predispose you to developing breast cancer as you get older. Yes, really.

According to findings from researchers at the University of California, there is a direct link between obesity and harmful metabolic changes that have an effect on how breasts develop. These harmful changes can also lead to abnormal tissues in the breast that may cause breast cancer in later life.

Researchers studied mice that had been fed a diet containing a fatty acid that’s usually found in biscuits, cakes and processed foods. This fatty acid can trigger metabolic syndrome, a condition that has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

The researcher, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal found that in some of the mice, the altered diet resulted in the kind of abnormal cell growth that can lead to breast cancer.

It's important to watch out for any changes in your breast area.

“Our findings highlight a striking link between diet and mammary gland growth,” said Dr Russ Hovey, one of the researchers.

“These results lend support to increasing evidence suggesting a relationship between breast cancer risk and early life events that include diet,” he added.

If you’re worried about breast cancer or want to find out more information, consult your GP or visit the Breast Cancer Ireland website here.