Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in Australia and New Zealand, with one in seven women developing the disease. GPs need to thoroughly understand the risk factors for breast cancer and to feel competent in discussing how patients can actively reduce their risks through diet and lifestyle. Although the survival rates after treatment for breast cancer are increasing, avoiding the diagnosis in their patients should be any healthcare provider's priority.

Lifestyle factors, especially the standard Western diet, appear to play a major role in the development and progression of breast cancer. Western diets high in meat, high-fat dairy products, fat (particularly saturated and omega-6 fatty acids), processed foods, and simple sugars, while simultaneously low in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fibre, are linked to higher breast cancer risk. Animal fat and animal protein intake are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer development, especially from red and processed meats.
A higher incidence of breast cancer is also attributed to the consumption of alcohol, high BMI, inadequate physical activity, and changing reproductive patterns.  

Breast cancer is less prevalent in countries where simple plant-based foods are staples. Eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans - while avoiding meat, dairy, and other animal products - promotes breast health. A whole food plant-based diet is high in fibre and rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are significantly associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

This on demand activity will provide GPs with vital information on how an eating pattern focussed on unprocessed plant foods can reduce the risks of developing breast cancer. They can then use this knowledge to make recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle modifications for their patients.

By the end of this activity, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe two pathophysiological processes leading to the development of breast cancer.
  • Identify at least three features of an eating pattern that can be beneficial for avoiding a diagnosis of and preventing breast cancer recurrence.
  • Name tools and techniques to support patients suffering from breast cancer to transition to a whole food plant-based diet.

CPD Hours

This activity is approved for 2.5 CPD hours (Educational Activities) with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and 2.5 PDP hours with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

To obtain the full 2.5 CPD hours for this on-demand activity you are required to read the two papers provided and complete the quiz questions based on these.
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Speaker

Dr Kristi Funk is a board-certified General Surgeon who completed a Surgical Breast Oncology Fellowship. She specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of all benign and malignant breast diseases. She is an expert in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr Funk's compassion and skill together create a caring, comprehensive patient experience. She embraces ideas of prevention and conventional therapies, but when illness is real, she knows how to cure.

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