Dietary Influences on Cancer Risk and Hormonal Regulation
Summary
Diet exerts a profound influence on cancer susceptibility through modulation of systemic hormone levels and cellular signalling pathways. Macronutrient composition, food processing and endogenous bioactive components can alter insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), oestrogen and progesterone activity, thereby affecting proliferation and apoptosis in hormonally sensitive tissues. Dairy products, in particular, supply steroid hormones, growth factors and exosomal microRNAs that may amplify oestrogen receptor-positive tumourigenesis. Conversely, plant-based diets rich in phytoestrogens, dietary fibre and micronutrients such as vitamin D and selenium can attenuate hormone-driven pathways and promote DNA repair. Emerging evidence highlights the interplay between genetic polymorphisms, lifetime hormonal exposures and dietary patterns, emphasising the need for tailored nutritional guidelines to mitigate cancer risk and promote endocrine homeostasis.
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Dietary Influences on Cancer Risk and Hormonal Regulation publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in dietary influences on cancer risk and hormonal regulation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): A peptide hormone that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, implicated in oncogenic signalling.
Oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+): A tumour subtype expressing oestrogen receptors, driving growth in response to oestrogenic ligands.
Progesterone: A steroid hormone that regulates reproductive tissue proliferation and can induce DNA replication errors in sensitive epithelia.
Endocrine disruptor: An exogenous agent that interferes with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism or receptor interaction, altering physiological homeostasis.
Phytoestrogen: A plant-derived compound structurally similar to oestrogens, capable of modulating receptor signalling and exerting weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects.
References
- The Role of Cow’s Milk Consumption in Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression. Current Nutrition Reports (2023).
- Micronutrient Status and Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Sex steroid hormone residues in milk and their potential risks for breast and prostate cancer. Frontiers in Nutrition (2024).
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