Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Fruits, Vegetables and Carotenoids

Fruits and Vegetables

Findings from individual studies on fruits and vegetables and breast cancer risk have been mixed [164-168]. Large pooled analyses and meta-analyses have provided better data.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Fruits

Eating fruits may be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer [168].

A meta-analysis that combined the results of 15 studies found women who ate the most fruit had a slightly lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who ate the least fruit [168].

Vegetables

Eating vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of some breast cancers [165-168].

A pooled analysis of data from 20 studies found women who ate the most vegetables had a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (but not estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) compared to women who ate the least vegetables [165].

Other health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables may also be linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases [169-170].

Learn more about healthy behaviors and breast cancer risk. 

Learn more about diet and breast cancer risk.

Eating fruits and vegetables during the teen years

One study suggested women who ate a lot of fruit during their teen years may have a decreased risk of breast cancer risk in adulthood [171]. Eating a lot of vegetables during the teen years did not appear to be related to risk [171].

This topic is under study.

Learn more about early life exposures and breast cancer risk.

For a summary of research studies on fruits and vegetables and breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are natural orange-red pigments found in fruits and vegetables such as melons, carrots and sweet potatoes. Dark, leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale also contain carotenoids. Many carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are antioxidants and can be converted into vitamin A in the body.

Researchers can study carotenoids in a few ways. They can measure levels of carotenoids in a person’s blood or estimate carotenoids in a person’s diet.

Learn about carotenoids and survival after breast cancer treatment.

Studies of blood levels of carotenoids

A pooled analysis of data from 8 studies found women with higher blood levels of carotenoids had a decreased risk of breast cancer (especially estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer) compared to women with lower levels [172].

Studies of dietary intake of carotenoids

Most studies show no link between eating a lot of fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids and overall breast cancer risk [173-175].

However, carotenoids appear to be linked to a lower risk of certain breast cancers [174-176].

A pooled analysis of data from 18 studies found women who had a high intake of carotenoids had a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (but not estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) compared to women who had a low intake of carotenoids [175].

Learn more about healthy behaviors and breast cancer risk.

Learn more about diet and breast cancer.

For a summary of research studies on carotenoids and breast cancer survival, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section.

Note of caution on carotenoid supplements

Carotenoid supplements, such as beta-carotene supplements, may have some health risks.

A few studies have found taking a daily beta-carotene supplement may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and early death in smokers [177-178].

Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of carotenoids (rather than supplements) and are part of a healthy diet. 

SUSAN G. KOMEN®‘S BREAST SELF-AWARENESS MESSAGES

1. Know your risk Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history. Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer. 2. Get screened Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.* Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.* * Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines 3. Know what is normal for you See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page. 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight. Make exercise part of your routine. Limit alcohol intake. Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use). Breastfeed if you can.

Updated 12/17/24

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.