Dietary changes to lower breast cancer risk in high-risk women

A Low-Insulinemic Dietary Intervention to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in High-Risk Women

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06635005

This study is testing a new diet designed to lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women who are at high risk to see if it helps improve their health and well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages45 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06635005 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates a new dietary pattern aimed at reducing breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women identified as high-risk. The intervention focuses on a low-insulinemic diet that is low in total and saturated fats, emphasizes plant-based proteins, and is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber. The study will assess the feasibility of implementing this dietary pattern in a clinical setting, alongside measuring changes in patient-reported outcomes and various cardiometabolic biomarkers over a 12-week period. Additionally, exploratory objectives include analyzing changes in the fecal microbiome and metabolomics related to the dietary intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 45 and older who are overweight or class 1 obese and have a high risk for breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer within the last 5 years or those who are pre-menopausal will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this dietary intervention could significantly lower breast cancer risk for high-risk women.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions have been explored in cancer prevention, this specific low-insulinemic dietary approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 45 years OR post-menopausal AND cis-gender women at study registration.
* Overweight or World Health Organization (WHO) class 1 obese as defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 35 kg/m\^2.
* High risk for breast cancer at the discretion of the physician, using standard definitions such as a Gail 5-year risk of ≥ 2% or Tyrer Cuzick version (v) 8.0 10-year risk of ≥ 5%.
* Concurrent or prior use of endocrine therapy is allowed. Any dose or schedule change is not permitted for the duration of the study.
* Currently established care or previously seen at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center (SSCBC) high risk breast clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior diagnosis of breast cancer within past 5 years.
* Metastatic breast cancer (at study start or during study period).
* BMI \> 35 kg/m\^2 or \< 25 kg/m\^2.
* Pre-menopausal women or \< 45 years of age.
* Assigned male at birth.
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including lung disease, heart disease, metabolic disease; exacerbations for disease in past 8 weeks; unstable on medications for chronic conditions in past 6 weeks. This could affect compliance and engagement with study intervention. Change in anti-hyperglycemic or lipid lowering medications is best avoided for the duration of the study unless deemed necessary by treating provider or required for acute exacerbation of existing illness.
* Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) or insulin dependent, or evidence of brittle diabetes.
* Presence of food allergies or intolerances to wheat, nuts, seeds, fish, or dairy foods.
* Currently on special diet for known metabolic or gastrointestinal disease, or planning to start a specific dietary regimen such as vegetarian, vegan, ketogenic, low-fat diets, etc.
* Uncontrolled psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
* Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements.
* Pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing.
* Any condition which in the investigator's opinion deems the subject an unsuitable candidate to participate in this study.
* Non-English speaking, as the teaching materials and educational sessions have not yet been translated into additional languages.
* Prisoners or other institutionalized patients.

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Feasibility Pilot StudyComplianceInsulinemic dietary pattern, high-risk, breast cancer, cardiometabolic health
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.