The protective effect of peanut, walnut, and almond consumption on the development of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy known worldwide. The consumption of certain foods may modify the risk for its development. Peanuts and other seeds have shown anticarcinogenic effects in vitro, but there are a few studies that evaluate the effect of their consumption on the development of breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is an association between the consumption of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds and the development of breast cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed 97 patients presenting with breast cancer and 104 control subjects that did not have the pathology (BIRADS 1-2). An analysis of the main clinical characteristics and lifelong seed consumption was carried out. The association between the consumption of these foods and the risk for breast cancer was estimated by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, controlling other risk factors, using the Mantel-Haenszel analysis.

RESULTS

The high consumption of peanuts, walnuts, or almonds significantly reduced the risk for breast cancer by 2-3 times. This protective effect was not found with low or moderate seed consumption when compared with null consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

High consumption of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds appears to be a protective factor for the development of breast cancer.