Low-carb high-protein diet shown to reduce breast cancer risk

Aside from obtaining a prescription to buy Tamoxifen, consuming a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein may be among the best ways women can avoid a recurrence of breast cancer, according to a new study.

Scientists from the British Columbia Cancer Research Centre reported in the journal Cancer Research that mice that had breast cancer removed were significantly less likely to have the tumors return when they ate a low-carb, high-protein diet.

Findings in mice don’t always translate to humans, but the researchers said they feel confident there are enough similarities in the biology that underlies the processes they examined in their study. They speculated that such a diet boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.

The team said their findings have important implications, as theycould represent a relatively easy way for women to control their risk of developing breast cancer or experiencing a recurrence of the disease.

"This shows that something as simple as a change in diet can have an impact on cancer risk," said lead researcher Gerald Krystal.