Starch-rich diet, breast cancer linked - California Scientists

US: Scientists at the University of California at San Diego who studied diets of 2,651 breast cancer survivors found that carbohydrates, especially starches were tied to a greater risk of recurrence.

According the report presented at the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the rate of recurrence was 14.2 percent among women who increased their starch intake during one year.

In contrast, women who decreased their starch consumption saw a 9.7 percent recurrence rate.

"The results show that it's not just overall carbohydrates, but particularly starch," said lead researcher Jennifer Emond.

"Women who increased their starch intake over one year were at a much likelier risk for recurring.Previous findings have showed an association between a high-carb diet and a breast cancer risk but this new study focused particularly on starchy carbohydrates, Emond added.

Although carbohydrates are the main source of energy and nutrients for most people, some of them are healthier, researchers noted.

Refined carbohydrates such as white breads and white pasta contain more starch than whole grains, which contain more healthy carbohydrates such as fibers that are not absorbable but help preventing many diseases such as obesity, diabetes and certain forms of cancer.