This study investigated the association between high intake of sweets and risk of breast among 1,434 women with breast cancer and 1,440 controls from Long Island, New York. Consumption of sweet foods, including desserts, sweet beverages, and added sugars, was found to be positively associated with breast cancer risk. The association was stronger for premenopausal women than for post-menopausal women, however the interaction with menopause was not statistically significant.

Implications for breast cancer

The study confirmed previous reports that sweets and sugary sodas increase the risk of breast cancer. Other studies have also found that sweet food intake is associated with a modest increase in risk of in-situ and localized breast cancer in young women. These relationships hold even in the absence of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Several observers have theorized that the association is the result of an insulin-related mechanism since consuming sweet foods causes a temporary peak in circulating insulin and high insulin exposure is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Based on the available evidence, breast cancer patients, survivors and those at high risk for breast cancer should avoid frequently eating snacks or meals with a high glycemic load, especially on an empty stomach or without simultaneously consuming protein or fiber. Sugary sodas and other extremely sweet drinks should also be limited.