Fruit and vegetables don't reduce breast cancer risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Contrary to previous research, a new study finds no link between consumption of fruit and vegetables and decreased risk of breast cancer.
The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study is the biggest ever project researching links between diet and cancer. It covers over half a million individuals in ten European countries. The latest report from EPIC is rather a surprise - it shows that consumption of fruit and vegetables does not protect women from breast cancer.

There was no link between any sub-group of vegetables and reduced cancer risk. Other studies have suggested the opposite but, as the researchers discuss, there may be good reasons for this. The EPIC work has the advantage of covering many different dietary patterns and having a large number of participants. It may still be that fruits and vegetables protect women in certain breast cancer sub-groups - more analysis would be needed to establish this. And fruit and vegetables are still known to be helpful in helping lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 12th January 2005 Volume 293 pages 183-193