[url=http://epic.iarc.fr]EPIC Project – International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organisation [/url]
(EPIC Project looks at dietary factors)
Breast cancer etiology:
1. The role of endogenous steroid hormones in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer has been investigated in EPIC in the largest studies conducted to date on this topic. We have shown that both estrogens and androgens increase breast cancer risk while sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) decreases risk after menopause. In parallel [b]overweight and low physical activity increase breast cancer risk after menopause.[/b] On the contrary before menopause androgens increase breast cancer risk progesterones decrease risk and SHBG and obesity are not associated with risk. These findings provide strong clues for further investigations of the metabolic and hormonal factors specifically related to pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer.
2. We found that the consumption of fruit and vegetables is not associated with breast cancer risk. This is an important finding as it helps to narrow down the factors potentially involved in breast cancer etiology and prevention.