The Microbiome and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

7 months ago

10 December, 2024

Everyone seems to be talking about the microbiome these days – and for good reason. But do you know what it is and why it is so essential? Here we’ll take a closer look at why the microbiome is so important for your health and if it can influence breast cancer risk. But don’t worry we will provide you with our top tips for maintaining a healthy gut!

The microbiota vs. microbiome: what is the difference?

To understand what the microbiome does, we need to explain what it means. Firstly, and important to note, is that the human body contains trillions of microorganisms or microbes. These are tiny organisms too small to see with the naked eye, like bacteria or fungi.

You will also often find that the terms ‘microbiota’ and ‘microbiome’ are used interchangeably. However, they refer to different things, and it is important to understand the difference.

‘Microbiota’ refers to all the microorganisms or microbes that live in different parts of your body.
‘Microbiome’ is essentially a biological community that groups your microbiota (so all your microorganisms) and the environment they are found in, such as your gut.

Let’s use an example to help explain – think of a bustling city. The entire city (your microbiome) is filled with different neighbourhoods (the different parts of your body, like your gut) which include the people that live there (your microbes, so your microbiota) and the different buildings, parks and other infrastructures that support them (their environment, in the gut for example).

Where are your microbes found?

You may be surprised to learn that microbes are found throughout your body. These areas are often referred to as microbial niches including your gastrointestinal tract (gut), skin, mouth (oral), breast, vagina, prostate and bladder, among others.

The exact composition of the trillions of microbes in your organs varies in quantity and diversity, but also between each individual. So incredibly, the exact composition of your microbiome is unique to you.

Why your microbiome matters

You would be forgiven for thinking that having bacteria or fungi in your body doesn’t sound like a great thing. But they have a beneficial relationship with your body, making them good for you.

These microbes rely on you for sustenance (i.e. through the food you eat) and a home/habitat (i.e. the different parts of your body). In return, the microbes support vital bodily functions for your overall health like strengthening your immune system, aiding digestion, producing vitamins and hormones, and regulating energy metabolism.

What affects the microbiome?

The microbiome that this blog will focus on is the one that most people have heard of; the gut microbiome. That includes your stomach, intestine and colon. Not only is it the largest and most diverse microbiome, but it is also the most studied.

Several factors can affect your gut microbes. These include your age, ethnicity, genetics, hormonal levels, how you were delivered as a baby (natural or c-section), diet, prebiotics (foods high in dietary fibre that feed the microbiota) and probiotics (foods naturally containing microbes like yoghurt, or supplements that contain live active microbes), stress levels, hygiene, alcohol intake, smoking, antibiotic use, chemotherapy, and radiation.

The microbiome and health, a balancing act

The mutually beneficial relationship between your body and your microbiota all depends on balance and a certain harmony. Changes in the composition of your microbiota can lead to an imbalance, which in turn could affect your health.

When it comes to the gut microbiome for example, we know that a microbe imbalance can contribute to illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); obesity; depression; asthma, as well as some cancers.

The microbiome and breast cancer

When it comes to breast cancer, studies suggest that an imbalance in gut bacteria may be linked to an increased risk of the disease. This could be due to increasing the amount of oestrogen in the body, causing damage to your DNA, contributing to weight gain or promoting long-term inflammation.

Some research is beginning to explore how other microbiomes, such as those of the skin and breast tissue, may influence breast cancer risk. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand these relationships.

Our tips to support your gut microbiota

The good news is that it’s never too late to start looking after your gut health. You can help create a thriving environment for your gut bugs with the following tips:

Eat a diverse diet: Include plenty of high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fibre supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Incorporate fermented foods: Foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain beneficial probiotics (live microorganisms) that can support gut health.

Keep hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and helps maintain the lining of your digestive system, which is very important for the gut environment.

Stay active: Exercise can help increase the number of good microbes in your gut as it stimulates your digestive muscles and moves food down the digestive system.

Get enough good quality sleep: Lack of sleep can negatively affect your gut microbes by disrupting the way they work. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and regular sleep can support overall gut health.

Read our key facts sheets to learn more about The Microbiome and Breast Cancer. Dive deeper into this topic and read our science review.

Want to know more about your breast cancer risk? Take Our Prevention Quiz to receive useful tips on how you can start your breast cancer prevention journey today.

The Microbiome and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know