Dietary Patterns and Risk of Breast Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

PURPOSE Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer affecting women worldwide. The etiology of cancer is multifactorial and includes both non-modifiable factors such as age, race, and ethnicity and modifiable factors such as dietary patterns, level of physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Most epidemiological studies investigating the role of dietary patterns in the development of breast cancer are mostly performed in Western countries, and thus dietary patterns in Africa and breast cancer are less understood. It is therefore imperative to identify specific African diets or food groups that can be linked to the development of breast cancer. To systematically review and identify studies that investigate the role of African dietary patterns or food groups in the development of breast cancer. METHODS Studies that were published between January 2010 and June 2023. Articles that focused on groups, single food groups, or nutrients were included in the search. Search terms were combined using Boolean operators: breast cancer AND (diet OR dietary patterns) AND Africa AND women. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used as databases to search for relevant articles. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. A total of 13 articles met the search criteria. The quality of each article was appraised. Using relevant tools. Using a data extraction form, relevant information was extracted from the 13 articles. RESULTS Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins may reduce breast cancer risk, while processed foods may contribute to increased risk. CONCLUSION There is a need for a culturally sensitive yet scientifically informed approach to dietary guidelines in African countries aimed at breast cancer prevention.