In light of other studies and the trends reported in the breast cancer paper, should women at risk of breast cancer eat a low fat diet?
The WHI results do not provide definitive evidence to guide womens choices about the ideal diet to prevent breast cancer. There was a suggestion in the WHI trial that women who started with high fat intakes may be more successful in reducing their fat intake, and this may help reduce risk of breast cancer. Thus, women who are currently eating a diet high in fat may want to think seriously about decreasing their fat intake. However, it seems unlikely that changes in any one single food group or source of energy will improve overall health; rather, the total dietary pattern and lifestyle (including exercise) may be the key to better health.
