Collagen and breast cancer: Is there a link?

Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the human body. Its purpose is to provide structure and hold the body together. Collagen is involved in various functions, including helping cells bind together and move, such as during wound healing.

Despite these functions, research also associates collagen with an increased breast cancer risk in some circumstances. For example, a 2024 review notes that people with dense breast tissue, meaning they have more collagen, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

This may be because the properties of collagen in dense tissue influence the behavior of tumor cells and their potential to spread.

It is important to note that this does not mean that collagen causes breast cancer, just that researchers associate dense breast tissue with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Various factors,

However, dense breast tissue can reduce the ability of mammograms to detect breast cancer. Some doctors suggest people with dense breast tissue would benefit from MRI scans before breast cancer screening.

Research in the 2024 review also suggests that treatment strategies aiming to suppress certain properties of collagen may show therapeutic potential against breast cancer.

However, this research is ongoing, and more studies are necessary before healthcare professionals recommend collagen-suppression strategies routinely.

According to the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, there is no evidence that dietary collagen, including collagen supplements, influence or cause breast cancer.

However, they note that this may be due to a lack of studies investigating a link between dietary collagen and breast cancer, and that more research is necessary.

It is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any type of supplements, particularly if someone has specific health concerns.

Collagen in breast tissue is not the only unchangeable risk factor for breast cancer. Others

• certain genetic variants
• age over 55 years
• a family or personal history of breast cancer
• starting menstruation early, particularly before 12 years
• later menopause, after 55 years

Anyone with concerns about their risk of breast cancer can speak with a healthcare professional for more information. A doctor can also help someone address changeable risk factors to reduce their chance of developing breast cancer.