Racial disparities in nutritional factors and breast cancer risk

The current evidence on nutritional factors and breast cancer risk is largely based on studies in white women while research in women of African ancestry (AA) is severely limited. We examined racial differences in the relationship between consuming foods of animal origin (never investigated) and alcohol (limited evidence) and breast cancer risk. We also assessed racial disparities in behaviors consistent with evidence-based cancer prevention recommendations and association with breast cancer risk. Investigations were conducted in AA and white women participating in the Women’s Circle of Health Study, a case-control study based in NY and NJ. A total of 1692 AA and 1455 white women completed a questionnaire on important risk factors and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression adjusting for potential covariates. Racial differences in consumption levels of red meat, poultry, dairy, and alcohol as well as adherence to guidelines on body fatness and physical activity were observed in our study. We found increased risks for greater consumption of red meat and poultry and reduced risks for dairy foods in white but not in AA women. Further differences emerged in subgroup analyses. Lifetime alcohol consumption was inversely related to decreased breast cancer risk in AA women but no association between recent or lifetime drinking was observed in white women. While assessing racial differences in behaviors that are consistent with cancer prevention recommendations and breast cancer risk, we observed that recommendations pertaining to foods and drinks that promote weight gain, sodium, alcohol, and red meat intakes were suggestive of reduced breast cancer risk among subgroups of AA women. Restricting red meat intake and caloric dense foods appeared to be beneficial in sub groups of white women. A positive relationship between physical activity and disease risk was observed in AA women. Overall, this study observed racial disparities in nutritional factors and highlighted relationships warranting replication, particularly in AA women given the dearth of research in this group. Put together, the findings contribute towards filling the large gap in understanding disease-environment associations that could be modified by race to facilitate effective prevention strategies.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Urmila Chandra