Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk

Studies show that a well defined link exists between obesity and breast cancer risk in women. Along with those studies, in general, it has been shown that obesity lowers the life expectancy of any person. Add physical inactivity to obesity and it accounts for 25 to 30 percent of breast cancer cases.

People who are already overweight are encouraged to lower their weight through proper exercise and a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Even losing 5 to 10 percent of the total weight can lower the risk of breast cancer. As always, it’s also a good idea to get breast cancer facts when dealing with the problem of breast cancer.

In 2001, breast cancer facts showed that obese, postmenopausal women were more likely to have breast cancer than pre-menopausal obese women. In fact, the study showed that before menopause, women who were not considered overweight were at greater risk of breast cancer than those who were obese.

Scientists and doctors believe that between 11,000 and 18,000 deaths per year from breast cancer in women over 50 could be avoided if women would keep their body mass index under 25 during their entire adult lives.

Interestingly enough, obesity and breast cancer risk appears to increase only among women who don’t use menopausal hormones after menopause. There is no difference in the risk of breast cancer between women who are obese and those of a normal weight that do use menopausal hormones.

Scientists believe that the increased levels of estrogen in women who are obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer and dying from it after menopause. Obesity and breast cancer risk are definitely a greater problem for post menopausal women.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.