A new national survey reveals a striking gap in prevention conversations: only 19% of U.S. women say a health care provider has talked to them about how diet can affect breast cancer risk.
The survey, conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult among more than 2,000 women, found that awareness of diet’s role in prevention has slipped slightly since last year, from 28% to 25%.
“It’s clear that most women are still unaware of the lifesaving message that what they eat and drink is directly correlated to their chances of developing breast cancer,” said Dr. Kristi Funk, a breast cancer surgeon and prevention advocate.
In June, the American Medical Association adopted a new breast cancer prevention policy urging doctors to regularly discuss lifestyle changes that may lower risk. Recommendations include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy plant-based diet and limiting alcohol.
When women in the survey were asked which eating habits might reduce breast cancer risk, fruits and vegetables were most often mentioned, while far fewer noted avoiding processed meats or limiting certain fats. Only 1% mentioned plant-based or vegetarian diets, underscoring a continuing awareness gap.
The survey also revealed a modest but important change: 4% more women correctly identified that eating soy foods, such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk, is linked to lower breast cancer risk. This counters a long-standing myth that soy raises risk, a misconception refuted by large studies involving women with breast cancer.
The Physicians Committee recommends a four-part approach to prevention: follow a whole food, plant-based diet; exercise regularly; limit alcohol; and maintain a healthy weight.
Stephanie McBurnett, a registered dietitian with the group, noted a troubling finding: “The women who said they have discussed nutrition’s role in breast cancer prevention with their health care provider were slightly more likely to inaccurately believe that dairy reduces risk — 16% in 2025, up from 9% in 2024. This highlights the growing need for clearer messaging from providers.”
McBurnett added that among those who had these conversations, more recognized the potential protective role of beans, which she called “an encouraging trend.”
Beginning in September, the Physicians Committee will join community members and local leaders in rallies across the U.S. and abroad to raise awareness of nutrition and lifestyle strategies for breast cancer prevention.