Researchers in Morocco studied 2,800 women to understand how different eating patterns might affect breast cancer risk. They found that women who ate lots of sugary and refined foods had a much higher risk of breast cancer, while women who followed a plant-based or Mediterranean diet (lots of vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils) had lower risk. Interestingly, eating too much dairy was linked to higher risk, but moderate amounts seemed protective. These findings suggest that the types of foods we choose to eat every day may play an important role in breast cancer prevention.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the types of foods Moroccan women eat regularly are connected to their chances of developing breast cancer
  • Who participated: 2,800 women from Morocco, including both women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and women who had not
  • Key finding: Women who ate lots of sugary and refined carbohydrates had about 7.7 times higher odds of breast cancer, while women who ate plant-based and Mediterranean foods had about 74% lower odds of getting breast cancer
  • What it means for you: Choosing whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and healthy oils instead of sugary snacks and refined grains may help reduce breast cancer risk. However, this study shows connection, not proof of cause-and-effect, so talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared two groups of women: those who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and those who had not. All participants answered detailed questions about what they normally eat using a food questionnaire that was specifically designed for Moroccan eating habits. The researchers then used a statistical method called Principal Component Analysis to group similar eating patterns together, which helped them identify four main dietary styles that Moroccan women follow. They then looked at whether following each dietary pattern was connected to breast cancer risk, while accounting for other factors that might affect risk like age, weight, and family history.

This research approach is important because it looks at real eating patterns that people actually follow, rather than just single foods. This makes the findings more practical and relevant to everyday life. By studying Moroccan women specifically, the researchers could look at dietary patterns that are common in that region, which hadn’t been well-studied before.

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of participants (2,800 women), used a food questionnaire that was validated and adapted for the local population, and adjusted for many factors that could affect results. However, because it’s a case-control study, it shows associations but cannot prove that diet directly causes or prevents breast cancer. The study was published in a respected nutrition journal, which suggests it met quality standards for publication.

What the Results Show

The study identified four distinct eating patterns among Moroccan women. The most striking finding was about the ‘Sugary and Refined Carbohydrate Diet’—women who followed this pattern most closely had 7.71 times higher odds of breast cancer compared to those who followed it least. This means if you eat lots of white bread, sugary drinks, pastries, and processed foods, your risk goes up significantly.

On the positive side, the ‘Plant-Based and Mediterranean Diet’ showed the opposite effect. Women who ate this way most often had 74% lower odds of breast cancer (odds ratio of 0.26). This pattern includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish—foods that are central to Mediterranean eating.

The dairy findings were more complicated. Moderate amounts of dairy products seemed protective, but women who ate the most dairy had 1.79 times higher odds of breast cancer. This suggests there may be a ‘sweet spot’ for dairy consumption. The ‘Animal Protein Rich Diet’ showed no significant connection to breast cancer risk.

The dose-response relationship for dairy is particularly interesting—it wasn’t a simple ‘more is better’ or ‘more is worse’ situation. Instead, moderate dairy consumption appeared beneficial, but very high consumption lost that benefit. This pattern suggests that balance matters in nutrition. The study also confirmed that multiple dietary factors work together, not in isolation, to influence breast cancer risk.

Previous research has shown mixed results about diet and breast cancer, with some studies suggesting certain foods help prevent it and others finding no connection. This study adds important evidence that dietary patterns—the overall combination of foods people eat—may be more important than individual foods. The findings about refined carbohydrates and plant-based diets align with other recent research, while the dairy findings add new nuance to the conversation.

This study shows associations between eating patterns and breast cancer risk, but it cannot prove that diet causes or prevents breast cancer. Because it’s a case-control study, women with breast cancer may remember their past eating habits differently than women without cancer, which could affect results. The study was conducted in Morocco, so the findings may not apply equally to women in other countries with different food availability and eating traditions. Additionally, the study relied on women’s memories of what they ate, which isn’t always perfectly accurate.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consider eating more plant-based foods, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy oils while reducing sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods. Moderate dairy consumption appears reasonable, but very high amounts may not be beneficial. These recommendations have moderate-to-strong evidence from this study, though more research is needed. This should be one part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular health screenings.

All women, especially those with family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, should pay attention to these findings. Women in Morocco and similar regions with comparable food cultures may find these results most directly applicable. However, the general principles about eating more plants and fewer refined carbohydrates are relevant to women worldwide. Men should also note that some of these dietary patterns may affect their health too, though this study focused on women.

Dietary changes typically take weeks to months to become habits, and their protective effects likely build over years of consistent eating patterns. Don’t expect immediate results, but think of these changes as long-term investments in your health. Research suggests that dietary patterns established over many years have the strongest impact on disease risk.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (aim for 5+ servings of produce and 3+ servings of whole grains) and monitor weekly sugary drink and refined carbohydrate consumption (trying to reduce these). Use the app’s food logging feature to categorize meals into the four dietary patterns identified in the study.
  • Start by making one simple swap per week: replace one sugary drink with water, swap white bread for whole grain, or add one extra vegetable to dinner. Use the app to set reminders for these swaps and track your progress. Over time, these small changes build into the protective dietary pattern shown in the research.
  • Monthly, review your app data to see which dietary pattern you’re following most closely. Aim to gradually increase adherence to the plant-based and Mediterranean pattern while decreasing the sugary and refined carbohydrate pattern. Set quarterly goals to increase plant-based foods by 10% and decrease refined carbohydrates by 10%.

This research shows associations between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk but does not prove that diet alone causes or prevents breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is influenced by many factors including genetics, age, hormones, and lifestyle. This information should not replace medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have concerns about breast cancer risk or are considering major dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, please consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. Regular screening and early detection remain important for all women.