In France, an unbalanced diet contributes to about 5.4% of all cancers, according to a 2018 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (CIRC). The connection between what people eat and their risk of developing cancer has been studied extensively. In the context of preventing breast cancer, Pauline Oustric, a researcher in behavioral nutrition, highlights the role of healthy food choices in reducing cancer risk. The relationship between diet and cancer has become a growing area of interest in recent years. However, the topic is complex, and research findings are not always consistent. "Since each type of cancer is different, it is difficult to precisely measure how diet affects the risk of cancer coming back," says Oustric, who works in the Cancer Department at the Léon Bérard Center. This complexity makes it challenging to draw clear conclusions about the impact of diet on cancer recurrence. In 2012, the National Cancer Institute (INCa) found that diets rich in fruits and vegetables could be beneficial both during and after cancer treatment, possibly helping to reduce the risk of cancer returning. However, when it comes specifically to breast cancer, the evidence is less clear. "In 2022, the studies conducted did not show a strong enough link to be certain," Oustric explains. Despite this, maintaining a healthy diet can improve the quality of life for cancer patients and play a significant role in preventing obesity, which is a known risk factor for several types of cancer. Researchers continue to explore how specific foods and dietary patterns might influence cancer risk and recovery. While the evidence for some cancers is more definitive, the connection between diet and breast cancer remains an area of ongoing study. Oustric emphasizes that while the impact on recurrence might not be fully understood, the benefits of a healthy diet extend beyond cancer prevention, offering overall health advantages that are well documented.