# Lower Adherence to Lifestyle Recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (2018) Is Associated with Decreased Overall 10-Year Survival in Women with Breast Cancer

## TL;DR

Following lifestyle guidelines from WCRF/AICR before breast cancer treatment is linked to better 10-year survival rates in women.

## Contribution

This study shows that adherence to WCRF/AICR lifestyle recommendations is associated with improved 10-year survival in breast cancer patients.

## Key findings

- Lower adherence to WCRF/AICR scores correlates with decreased 10-year overall survival.
- Consuming sugary drinks increases all-cause mortality risk.
- Higher fiber intake is linked to better 10-year survival.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The 2018 lifestyle recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) have been associated with lower incidence of breast cancer, but their impact on mortality, survival, and recurrence of the disease is not known. This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations on mortality, overall 10-year survival, and recurrence in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: This prospective study included 101 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2006 and 2011. Food consumption, body weight, and physical activity data were collected at diagnosis to calculate the WCRF/AICR score. Mortality, survival, and recurrence data were collected in 2020–2021. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to verify the association between WCRF/AICR score and its components with outcomes. Results: Women with lower adherence to the WCRF/AICR score (1st tertile, which was the reference group for regression models) had lower chance of 10-year overall survival when compared to patients with higher scores (2nd and 3rd tertiles, n = 67) (p = 0.025). Consumption of sugary drinks increased the chance of all-cause mortality (p = 0.005) and daily fiber intake increased the chance of overall 10-year survival (p = 0.027). Conclusions: It is suggested that adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations before breast cancer treatment may contribute to better life expectancy.