Breast cancer Quote by Loren Cordain
““Many women, worried about breast cancer, have adopted vegetarian diets in an attempt to reduce their risk. Unfortunately, it may be that these grain- and starch-based diets actually increase the risk of breast cancer, because they elevate insulin—which, in turn, increases IGF-1 and lowers IGFBP-3. A large epidemiological study of Italian women, led by Dr. Silvia Franceschi, has shown that eating large amounts of pasta and refined bread raises the risk of developing both breast and colorectal cancer. Most vegetarian diets are based on starchy grains and legumes. Sadly—despite continuing perceptions of these as healthy foods—vegetarian diets don’t reduce the risk of cancer. In the largest-ever study comparing the causes of death in more than 76,000 people, it was decisively shown that there were no differences in death rates from breast, prostate, colorectal, stomach, or lung cancer between vegetarians and meat eaters. Cancer is a complex process involving many genetic and environmental factors. It is almost certain that no single dietary element is responsible for all cancers. However, with the low-glycemic Paleo Diet, which is also high in lean protein and health-promoting fruits and vegetables, your risk of developing many types of cancer may be very much reduced.””
About This Quote
Vegetarian diets, often high in starchy grains, may raise insulin and IGF-1, potentially increasing cancer risk; a low‑glycemic Paleo diet may lower risk.
In simple terms: Vegetarian diets may increase cancer risk; Paleo may lower it.
Diet composition influences cancer risk.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- diet planning
- public health advice
- cancer prevention
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- consider low‑glycemic, protein‑rich diets for risk reduction
Questions to Reflect On
- What dietary changes could you make for health?
- How do you evaluate conflicting nutrition studies?
Individual responses vary; no diet guarantees safety.