Could BMI Affect Breast Cancer Risk in Women with Heart Disease?
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Synopsis
A recent WHO study reveals a concerning link between excess weight and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease. Understanding this connection could influence future breast cancer screening and prevention strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Excess weight is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
- Each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI raises breast cancer risk.
- Cardiovascular disease amplifies the risk associated with higher BMI.
- Type 2 diabetes does not significantly alter breast cancer risk related to BMI.
- Future research should focus on weight loss interventions for women with cardiovascular history.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) Excess weight may elevate the risk of developing breast cancer among postmenopausal women who have cardiovascular disease, according to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), released on Monday.
It is well-established that a higher body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, CANCER, reveals how the cancer risk varies between women with and without cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
The study found that each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was linked to a 31 percent higher risk of breast cancer in women who developed cardiovascular disease during the follow-up period, compared to a 13 percent increase in those without cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, the onset of type 2 diabetes did not appear to influence breast cancer risk; women, regardless of their diabetes status, exhibited a similar increase in breast cancer risk associated with higher BMI.
“The insights from this study could be instrumental in shaping risk-adjusted breast cancer screening programs,” stated a research team led by Heinz Freisling from the WHO's specialized cancer research group, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The analysis incorporated data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the UK Biobank, focusing on 168,547 postmenopausal women who did not have type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease at the time of their consent to participate.
Following a median follow-up of 10.7 years in EPIC and 10.9 years in UK Biobank, 6,793 postmenopausal women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Moreover, the study highlighted that the combination of being overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and having cardiovascular disease is projected to result in an additional 153 breast cancer cases per 100,000 individuals annually.
“This research should also motivate future studies to include women with a history of cardiovascular diseases in weight loss trials aimed at breast cancer prevention,” Freisling emphasized.
The connection between excess weight and heightened cancer risk is widely recognized.
Being overweight or obese raises the risk for 12 different cancers, including uterine, kidney, liver, and colorectal cancer.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications indicated that overweight and obese women are more prone to being diagnosed with larger tumors and more advanced-stage breast cancer.
Point of View
I believe that this study emphasizes the critical need for tailored health strategies. Understanding the intersection of cardiovascular health and cancer risk is essential for improving outcomes for women. We must advocate for more inclusive research that addresses the unique needs of women facing these dual health challenges.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI and how does it relate to breast cancer?
BMI, or body mass index, is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Higher BMI has been associated with increased breast cancer risk, particularly in postmenopausal women.
How does cardiovascular disease influence breast cancer risk?
The study indicates that women with cardiovascular disease experience a greater increase in breast cancer risk associated with higher BMI compared to those without cardiovascular disease.
Does type 2 diabetes impact breast cancer risk?
According to the study, type 2 diabetes does not appear to significantly affect breast cancer risk in relation to higher BMI.
What are the implications of this study?
These findings suggest that personalized screening programs could be developed for women with cardiovascular disease to better monitor breast cancer risk.
Why is it important to consider weight in cancer prevention?
Excess weight is linked to multiple cancers, and understanding its role can lead to more effective prevention strategies tailored to individual health profiles.
