Authors : J. Vanessa Francesca; D. Kavi Roshni; Vidhyashree L.; Latangi R.; Santhanalakshmi V.; Dr. D. P. SivasaktiBalan; R. J. Thayumanaswamy

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4n4unz44

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/43nkm9tj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul568

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that dietary patterns influence endocrine function and may contribute to breast cancer development through hormonal modulation. Estrogen plays a central role in the initiation and progression of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, while progesterone and thyroid hormones participate in regulating mammary gland physiology and cellular proliferation. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the relationship between dietary patterns, hormonal regulation, and breast cancer development. Published literature from peer-reviewed journals was analyzed to assess the effects of Mediterranean, plant-based, Western, high-fat, and high-fiber dietary patterns on estrogen metabolism, progesterone, thyroid hormones, insulin signaling, and inflammatory pathways. The evidence indicates that healthy dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved metabolic health, reduced chronic inflammation, and favorable hormonal balance, which may lower breast cancer risk. Conversely, Western dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and excessive alcohol intake are associated with obesity, increased estrogen exposure, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, all of which contribute to breast cancer progression. Current evidence linking dietary factors with thyroid hormone alterations remains limited and inconsistent, with no conclusive evidence that commonly consumed foods, including millets, directly disrupt endocrine function or increase breast cancer risk in healthy individuals. Overall, this review highlights the importance of dietary patterns as modifiable lifestyle factors that influence hormonal regulation and breast cancer risk. Further large-scale prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are required to clarify causal relationships and identify evidence-based nutritional strategies for breast cancer prevention and management.

Keywords : Breast Cancer, Dietary Patterns, Hormonal Regulation, Estrogen, Progesterone, Thyroid Hormones, Endocrine System, Nutrition, Mediterranean Diet, Breast Cancer Prevention.

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