Intake of specific fruits and vegetables in relation to risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer among postmenopausal women

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2013 Apr;138(3):925-30. doi: 10.1007/s10549-013-2484-3. Epub 2013 Mar 27.

Abstract

In previous studies of postmenopausal women, overall intake of fruits and vegetables groups has been inversely associated with estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer. In this analysis, we prospectively examined the associations of specific fruits and vegetables with risk of ER- postmenopausal breast cancer among 75,929 women aged 38-63 years at baseline and followed for up to 24 years. Dietary data were collected seven times during this period. Cox proportional hazard models were used, adjusting for potential confounders, including a modified Alternate Mediterranean Diet score. We ascertained 792 incident cases of ER- postmenopausal breast cancer. The multivariate relative risk (RR) for every 2 servings/week consumption for total berries was 0.82 (95 % CI = 0.71-0.96, p = 0.01), and the RR for women who consumed at least one serving of blueberries a week was 0.69 (95 % CI = 0.50-0.95, p = 0.02) compared with non-consumers. Also, the RR for consuming at least 2 servings of peaches/nectarines per week was 0.59 (95 % CI = 0.37-0.93, p = 0.02). Risk of ER- breast cancer was not associated with intakes of other specific fruits or vegetables. In conclusion, higher intake of berries and peaches was associated with lower risk of ER- breast cancer among postmenopausal women. These results are considered exploratory and need to be confirmed in further studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blueberry Plants
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Postmenopause
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prunus
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Vegetables*

Substances

  • Receptors, Estrogen