Researchers in Gaza studied 112 women with breast cancer and 222 healthy women to understand how lifestyle choices affect cancer risk. They found that women who exercised more and ate certain foods like fruits, nuts, and whole grains had lower levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1, which has been linked to breast cancer. Women with breast cancer were less active than healthy women. The study suggests that making healthier lifestyle choices—eating better foods and moving your body more—might help reduce the chances of developing breast cancer by keeping this growth hormone at healthier levels.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether lifestyle habits like diet and exercise affect a growth hormone in the body that might be connected to breast cancer risk
  • Who participated: 334 Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip: 112 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and 222 healthy women without cancer for comparison
  • Key finding: Women with breast cancer were significantly less active than healthy women (59% vs. 45% had low activity). Eating more fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy was linked to lower breast cancer risk, while eating more eggs was linked to higher risk.
  • What it means for you: Being more physically active and eating a diet rich in fruits, nuts, and whole grains may help lower your breast cancer risk. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that these changes prevent cancer. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared two groups: women who already had breast cancer and women who didn’t. They asked both groups detailed questions about their exercise habits using a standard questionnaire and about what foods they ate using a food frequency survey. They also measured a hormone in the blood called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) that helps cells grow. By comparing the two groups, researchers could see which lifestyle factors were different between women with and without cancer.

The researchers used a computer program to analyze all the information they collected. They looked at 14 different food groups and how much physical activity each woman reported. This type of study is useful for finding patterns and connections, but it can’t prove that one thing directly causes another.

This research approach is important because it allows scientists to look back at people’s habits and health outcomes to spot patterns. Since breast cancer develops slowly over many years, asking women about their past habits helps researchers understand what might have contributed to their cancer. By studying a specific population (Palestinian women in Gaza), the results are more relevant to that community’s health needs.

The study included a reasonable number of participants (334 total), which makes the findings more reliable than a very small study. The researchers used standard, validated questionnaires that are used in research worldwide, which is a strength. However, the study relied on women remembering their past eating and exercise habits, which can be inaccurate. The study shows associations (connections) but cannot prove cause-and-effect. Results from one population may not apply equally to all women everywhere.

What the Results Show

Women with breast cancer reported significantly less physical activity than healthy women—about 59% of cancer patients had low activity levels compared to 45% of healthy women. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance.

When looking at diet, eight out of 14 food groups showed protective effects (meaning they were linked to lower cancer risk). Eating more nuts showed the strongest protection, with a 16.5% reduction in risk. Fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products also showed protective effects, each reducing risk by 3-5.6%. Eating more eggs, however, was linked to a 12.5% increase in breast cancer risk.

The study also measured IGF-1 levels (the growth hormone). Drinks and beverages were positively correlated with higher IGF-1 levels, suggesting that what women drink might influence this cancer-related hormone. The researchers believe that lifestyle factors influence IGF-1 levels, which in turn may affect breast cancer risk.

The study examined many specific food groups individually. Besides the main findings, snacks and sweets showed a 3.3% risk reduction, soups and sauces showed a 5.5% reduction, and meat showed a 3.7% reduction. These smaller effects suggest that overall dietary patterns matter, not just one or two specific foods. The connection between beverages and IGF-1 levels suggests that what women drink deserves more research attention.

Previous research has shown that IGF-1 is involved in cell growth and that abnormal levels may increase cancer risk. This study supports that connection by showing that lifestyle factors can influence IGF-1 levels. The protective effects of fruits, nuts, and whole grains align with many other cancer prevention studies. However, the finding about eggs increasing risk is somewhat different from some previous research, suggesting this may be specific to this population or require further investigation.

This study has several important limitations. First, it relied on women remembering what they ate and how much they exercised in the past, which is often inaccurate. Second, the study can only show that certain factors are associated with cancer risk—it cannot prove that these factors actually cause cancer. Third, the study was conducted in one specific region (Gaza Strip) with one population, so results may not apply equally to all women worldwide. Fourth, the study didn’t account for other important factors that affect cancer risk, like family history or hormone levels. Finally, the study is relatively small, so some findings might not hold up in larger studies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consider increasing physical activity to at least moderate levels and eating more fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These changes align with general cancer prevention guidelines. However, this single study provides moderate evidence, not definitive proof. Combine these lifestyle changes with regular cancer screening and discussions with your doctor about your personal risk factors. The evidence is strongest for physical activity and nuts, and moderate for other foods studied.

This research is most relevant to Palestinian women and possibly other women in similar regions, though the findings may apply more broadly. Women concerned about breast cancer risk, those with family history of cancer, and women in their 40s and older (when breast cancer becomes more common) should pay attention to these findings. However, men should not assume these results apply to them, as this study focused only on women.

Don’t expect immediate results. Breast cancer develops over many years, so lifestyle changes work as long-term prevention strategies. You might notice improvements in energy, fitness, and overall health within weeks to months of increasing physical activity. However, any reduction in cancer risk would take years to develop and would be impossible to measure individually.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily physical activity minutes (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) and log servings of fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Monitor these weekly to see if you’re meeting recommended amounts.
  • Set a specific goal like ’eat one handful of nuts daily’ or ‘do 30 minutes of walking 5 days per week.’ Use the app to log these activities and foods, and celebrate weekly achievements. Start with one change and add others gradually.
  • Track your progress monthly by reviewing your activity minutes and food servings. Look for trends in which lifestyle changes feel sustainable for you. Share your data with your healthcare provider during annual check-ups to discuss how your lifestyle changes fit into your overall cancer prevention strategy.

This research shows associations between lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk but does not prove cause-and-effect. Individual breast cancer risk depends on many factors including genetics, age, family history, and hormonal factors not measured in this study. This information should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about breast cancer risk, consult with your healthcare provider who can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate screening and prevention strategies. Women at high genetic risk may need different approaches than those suggested by this general population study.