Diet and breast cancer.

Tiphaine Boulin, Kerri Palmer-Quinn, Hannah Moody

Published: 02/02/2026

Peer reviewed by two members of Breast Cancer UK's independent Science Panel.

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Summary

Diet plays an important role in shaping breast cancer risk. Dietary factors may be protective or increase the risk and have long-term effects. There is no ideal diet that can prevent breast cancer; however, evidence suggests that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (especially non-starchy vegetables and foods rich in carotenoids), whole grains, and fibre may lower the risk. Whilst eating a high level of processed meat, ultra-processed foods, and saturated or trans fats may increase risk. Dairy foods rich in calcium, higher soy consumption, and adequate micronutrient status may also have modest protective effects. Overall, healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean or plant-based diet, are linked with a slightly lower risk of breast cancer.

How to cite

Boulin T., Palmer-Quinn K., Moody H. Diet and breast cancer. Breast Cancer UK. 2026. https://doi.org/10.71450/25138863

Next update: 02/02/2029