Healthy diet and physical activity can lower the risk of death after breast cancer diagnosis

This major review of published research on breast cancer risks, undertaken as part of World Cancer Research Fund's International Global Cancer Update Programme, sought to understand the links between body weight, physical activity, diet and the risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Based on findings from 226 studies of more than 456,000 women from around the world, the review found strong evidence that higher body weight, after diagnosis, increases the risk of death. 

A further 23 studies of more than 39,000 women showed evidence that being more physically active could reduce the risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis as well as the risk of recurrence. Most studies looked at recreational physical activity, such as aerobics, walking and running.

“For over 20 years our Recommendations have supported the creation of an environment where individuals can pursue, and governments can support, healthier choices to reduce cancer risk. We now hope to develop a set of recommendations specifically for people living with and beyond cancer so that, alongside their healthcare team, they have the latest evidence-based information about healthy eating, physical activity and weight. Analysing and interpreting the existing literature is the first step towards these efforts.” 
– Dr Helen Croker, Head of Research Interpretation at WCRF International

The review published today in UICC's International Journal of Cancer also found evidence that eating more dietary fibre and adopting certain healthy eating patterns – a low-fat diet high in fruit, vegetables and fibre – could reduce the risk of death. Eating soy, in particular, was highlighted as potentially reducing the risk of death as well as the recurrence of breast cancer.

“After my diagnosis and treatment, I made a few lifestyle changes to reduce my risk of health problems. These included maintaining a healthy weight, eating a variety of healthy foods and exercising regularly. I know from experience the feeling of jumping through hoops after a cancer diagnosis. However, as the evidence from these reviews gets stronger it gives me greater confidence that there are things I can do to help improve my chances of living beyond my breast cancer.”
– Nikki Bednall, diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2017