Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death. But, did you know being obese can you at a major risk of developing a tumour? Read on to know expert backed tips to manage it.
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Obesity is a significant and modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. The relationship between obesity and breast cancer is complex and involves multiple biological mechanisms. There is a lot of evidence to point at when it comes to breast cancer – obesity link. A large-scale study published in 2015, part of the Women’s Health Initiative, analysed data from over 67,000 postmenopausal women and found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer, particularly oestrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive subtypes. The research highlights how higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased breast cancer risk, emphasising the role of obesity in postmenopausal breast cancer development.
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Obesity and Breast Cancer Link
- Hormonal influence: “One of the key factors is the role of oestrogen. After menopause, most oestrogen in a woman’s body is produced by fat tissue rather than the ovaries. Higher levels of body fat led to increased oestrogen production, which can stimulate the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers,” said Dr. Karishma Kirti, Consultant Breast Specialist and Oncoplastic Surgeon, speaking exclusively with India.com. Additionally, obesity is associated with elevated levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), both of which can promote the development and progression of breast cancer.
- Menopause: The link between obesity and breast cancer is especially strong in postmenopausal women. After menopause, fat tissue becomes the primary source of o oestrogen, and higher o oestrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of developing oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers, the most common type of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Chronic inflammation: This is another important factor. Obesity is linked to low-grade, chronic inflammation, which can create an environment that fosters cancer development by damaging cells and promoting genetic mutations. The distribution of body fat also plays a role; visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, is particularly harmful and is more strongly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer than subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin.
Dr. Kirti explained that obesity not only increases risk of developing breast cancer but also leads worse outcomes in patients who develop it and negatively impacts breast cancer prognosis. Women with breast cancer who are obese often face a higher risk of recurrence, more aggressive tumour characteristics, and lower overall survival rates compared to women of normal weight.
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Ways to Manage Breast Cancer and Obesity?
To reduce the risk of breast cancer, maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is very important, especially for postmenopausal women. Weight loss in overweight or obese women can lower oestrogen levels and reduce breast cancer risk. Regular physical activity, even without significant weight loss, can also help reduce risk by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and lowering oestrogen levels.
Given the rising rates of obesity worldwide, the connection between obesity and breast cancer has significant public health implications. Efforts to combat obesity through public health initiatives, education, and support programs are essential in reducing the overall burden of breast cancer. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, and addressing it through healthy lifestyle choices is key to lowering the incidence and improving outcomes of the disease.
