Breast cancer is not caused by consuming carbohydrates.

A recent study published in the August 2004 issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention reported more breast cancer in women who ate more calories, protein, total carbohydrates, sucrose (table sugar), and fructose (found in soft drinks and labeled as high fructose corn syrup). However, this study also reported that eating more fiber and starch (often referred to as complex carbohydrates), both only found in plant foods, meant less breast cancer.

But most news sources that have passed on this information in the past few weeks have failed to mention that latter discovery until the reader has already absorbed the statement, “high carbohydrate diet linked to breast cancer.”

The explanation given by the researchers for the simple carbohydrates increasing breast cancer rates was that an increase in dietary carbohydrate raises blood sugar and insulin levels.  This results in an elevation of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which raises the risk of cancer.  IGF-1 plays an important role in cancer, however, according to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and nutrition expert, research shows this growth-stimulating hormone is increased in our diets primarily by animal proteins, such as those derived from dairy products.

By lumping highly processed foods, like sugars and refined flours, and natural carbohydrates, like starches (corn tortillas), vegetables and fruits, together, many news sources have misinterpreted the message of this research and in doing so, have further fueled the low carb diet frenzy.

As stated in the research, breast cancer in Mexico is on the rise, affecting younger women with more frequency for one obvious reason.  The younger generations are targeted by the marketing efforts of the food industries who sell highly processed, refined foods that carry no nutritional value. 

Do not be fooled by misinterpreted information. Although simple carbohydrates such as processed foods, fatty, fried foods and snacks, and table sugar may be linked to many diseases, healthy, natural complex carbohydrates such as grains, fruits, starches, and vegetables do not cause breast cancer.

Sources:

http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/2004specialweekends/040810news.htm  

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