Dietary Fats Most of the interest in the relationship between low-fat diets and cancer has focused on the role of fat in the etiology and prevention of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. The evidence that total fat intake is a cause of breast cancer is quite weak and inconsistent,36 whereas the evidence for a role of dietary fat in the cause of colon and prostate cancers is stronger.44,45 For these latter cancer sites, though, consumption of red meats and fat from animal sources may increase risk more than total fats or fats from vegetable oils. For prevention of heart disease, reducing consumption of saturated fats from animal foods is more important than reducing total fats in the diet. While low-fat diets have not specifically been shown to be helpful in either treating cancer or preventing recurrence, it is important to note that there have been few studies of this question. Several studies designed to assess the role of diet as a cause of breast cancer have been extended to examine survival after diagnosis as related to diet before diagnosis. These studies suggest that women on lower fat diets before diagnosis tend to have less aggressive cancers than do those on high fat diets.41-43,46-60 Thus, although dietary fats might have little to do with breast cancer prevention, the levels of fat in the diet might somehow affect the growth of breast cancers that do develop.61,62 There are now two randomized trials underway testing the effects of low-fat diets on recurrence and survival from breast cancer [the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS) and the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study].63 It is hoped that more direct evidence regarding the impact of low-fat dietary patterns on breast cancer recurrence and survival will eventually emerge from these two trials. While no specific recommendations regarding low-fat diets in the management of cancer can be made at this time, if individuals and their families choose to follow very low-fat regimens (about 20% of calories from fat), they should ensure that the diets are nutritionally balanced, contain essential fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamins A, D, E, and K), and are adequate in calories to maintain a healthy body weight. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.