A new study published in the journal JNCI Cancer Spectrum suggests that following a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals who have been treated for breast cancer. Researchers examined data from 3,415 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer to explore the connection between diet quality and cardiovascular events. The study found that women who adhered closely to the DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy, had the greatest risk reduction. The type of chemotherapy a woman received also played a role in determining risk factors for heart disease.
The mean age of the participants in the study was 60, and they were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2013. The scientists used a scoring system based on five diet quality indices to analyze the association between diet quality and cardiovascular events. Women whose diets most closely resembled the DASH diet were found to have a significantly lower risk of heart disease compared to those whose diets were least like the DASH diet. Additionally, the consumption of low-fat dairy was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death.
The researchers noted that the type of chemotherapy women received could influence the relationship between diet and cardiovascular disease risk. Specifically, women who underwent anthracycline chemotherapy and followed the DASH diet had a lower risk of heart disease than those who did not follow the diet. This information can be valuable for medical professionals in providing tailored dietary recommendations to breast cancer patients to help lower their risk of heart disease. The study highlights the importance of diet in promoting long-term cardiovascular health in this high-risk population.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-cancer-related deaths in breast cancer survivors, and the increased risk of heart disease in these individuals could be due to various factors such as aging, lack of exercise, and smoking. Common risk factors for both breast cancer and heart disease include chemotherapy, anti-estrogen medications, and lifestyle factors. It is important to have discussions with breast cancer survivors about cardiovascular risk and educate them on the role of diet in mitigating this risk. By implementing dietary interventions aligned with healthy patterns, individuals who have been treated for breast cancer can work towards preventing heart disease.
The study emphasizes the significant impact of diet quality, particularly diets closely aligned with the DASH diet, in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease among breast cancer survivors. By adopting evidence-based dietary interventions and providing ongoing support, clinicians can help patients achieve and maintain optimal cardiovascular health. The information from this research can be utilized to develop more integrative approaches to cancer care that address the multifactorial lifestyle risks associated with breast cancer and heart disease. By empowering individuals with knowledge about the role of diet in their health, they can make informed decisions to improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of disease.
