Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/24/2004

Question
Hi! I have been researching the effects of a low-fat, high-carb diet on plasma triacylglycerol levels and how this may reduce the risk and/or progression of breast cancer. I am very clear on the studies and findings except for one thing that I am hoping you can help me with. How exactly does your plasma lipid concentrations affect breast cancer? Is it the higher the concentration, the lower the risk of breast cancer? I just need to know the direct relationship between the lipid concentrations and breast cancer. PLEASE help me. I have looked all over the internet, but nothing comes out and simply says it. Even if you may not know the answer, could you please ask around or look it up or find it somehow for me. Thanks so much! This means a lot to me.

Answer
You have not found it because it is not certain! There is some correlation between fatness and breast cancer - but NO
guarantees! You can certainly get breast cancer even if you are thin and skinny though the risk is smaller! In the same way the cancer may spread even though you are thin. In fact the correlation to fatness is even weaker here. There is also a correlation between fatness and high bloodlipids, but again not 100%. So if you combine these 2 things the relationship is not that strong. In fact the ralationship of fatness and breastcancer is probably due to a change in estrogen hormone metabolism in overweight females' fatty tissues rather than their blood lipids. So any connection, if any, is probably only an indirect one. I hope this answers your question!