In response to research and an accompanying editorial published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on the effects of high body fat and high-fat diets on breast cancer risk, Dr Emma Pennery, Nurse Consultant at Breast Cancer Care, commented:

“The effects of a high fat diet on a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer are still uncertain. Whilst this research adds to existing evidence in this area, other studies have not reached the same conclusions so we are still some way off understanding its exact influence.

“However a high fat diet can lead to weight gain and it is widely accepted that being overweight, particularly after the menopause, does increase the risk of breast cancer.

“All women should try to eat a balanced diet, keep within a healthy weight range, and remain breast aware throughout life.”