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Possible to minimize genetic risk with certain foods?

Page last modified on: January 6, 2011

Question from Annie: I'm the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. My mom had breast cancer twice, 15 years apart. Can I minimize my genetic connection to breast cancer with eating certain foods?: Answers —Larissa Korde, M.D., M.P.H.: Great question. I don't think we know the answer to that. I would say that we know that there are certain genes that increase the risk of breast cancer, but even in women who carry those genes, the risk of developing cancer is not 100%. So, probably there are other factors involved within those women at genetic risk that determines who develops breast cancer and who doesn't. It's an area of active research, but I don't know that we have answers yet. In the absence of data, I would make the same recommendations we've been making throughout this conference. Healthy, low-cal, low-fat diet, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and moderate exercise most days of the week.; Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D.: And to the fruits and vegetables I would add whole grain, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fat such as omega-3 and monounsaturated fatty acids such as those in olive oil.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2009, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Nutrition Through the Holidays. Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. and Larissa Korde, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions about what and how much to eat when holiday treats abound.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Larissa Korde, M.D., M.P.H. is an assistant professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance of the University of Washington. She specializes in the care of breast cancer patients.