Q. I just read that grapefruit increases the risk of breast cancer. What gives? I always thought fruits and vegetables prevented cancer.
A. One study showed that grapefruit raises estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Higher estrogen is associated with greater risk of breast cancer.
Another study reported that women who regularly ate grapefruit were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer (British Journal of Cancer, July 10, 2007). Other researchers have found no connection between grapefruit consumption and breast cancer (British Journal of Cancer, Jan. 8, 2008).
Grapefruit interacts with hundreds of medications and can increase the risk of side effects. We discuss this in greater detail in our Guide to Grapefruit Interactions. We also discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy in our Guide to Estrogen.
