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Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load And Certain Foods Linked To Breast Cancer

Glycemic index and glycemic load seem to be associated with increased breast cancer risk, suggesting a pathogenic role for hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.

Some forms of carbohydrate increase concentrations of glucose and insulin to a greater extent than others. Insulin can stimulate production of insulin-like growth factors, which are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Against this background, researchers from the University of Toronto, and centres in Canada, Italy and France, analysed interviews with 2569 Italian women with histologically confirmed breast cancer, and 2588 controls. The authors calculated average daily glycemic index and glycemic load based on a food frequency questionnaire.

Glycemic index and load showed a positive relationship with breast cancer. For example, the odds ratio for the highest versus lowest quintile of glycemic index was 1.4. For glycemic load, this odds ratio was 1.3.

Consumption of foods that are associated with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, increased breast cancer risk: odds ratio 1.3. In contrast, pasta, which is associated with a medium glycemic index, did not seem to influence breast cancer risk: odds ratio 1.0.

Menopausal status, alcohol consumption and physical activity did not influence the association between glycemic index or glycemic load and breast cancer risk.

The authors concluded that glycemic index and glycemic load show "moderate, direct associations" with breast cancer risk. This suggests that hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance might contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer.
Annals of Oncology 2001;12:1533-1538. "Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load, and breast cancer risk: A case-control study"

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