Excess saturated fat raises breast cancer risk among women – Dietitian

A licensed dietitian, Julius Sammah, has warned that excessive consumption of saturated fatty foods increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in women.

He explained that saturated fats raise Body Mass Index (BMI), which influences estrogen and progesterone functions in the body.

In an interview on Business Breakfast on Zed, Mr Sammah emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to reduce this risk.

 He also pointed out that heavy smoking and alcohol consumption are additional risk factors, as they slow metabolism and weaken muscles.

“Excess saturated fat intake puts you at risk for breast cancer because high fat consumption affects your Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates your height against your weight. For every height, there is a specific healthy weight range,” the dietitian explained.

He urged efforts to keep people within their healthy weight range and out of obesity, another factor that increases cancer risk.

Mr Sammah recommends increasing intake of vegetables and greens while reducing large portions of carbohydrates and proteins to lower saturated fat consumption and breast cancer risk.

He reiterated that excessive smoking and alcohol use also contribute to risk.

“To have a balanced plate, we encourage 40 to 50 per cent vegetables, 25 to 30 per cent carbohydrates and proteins combined, so you are not relying on one nutrient. A balanced diet is key to reducing breast cancer risk,” Mr Sammah stressed.