Heart Disease and Weight Gain Linked to Higher Breast Cancer Risk Post-Menopause

Weight gain and cardiovascular disease may significantly elevate breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. A recent study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer highlights that women with higher BMI and developing heart disease face a heightened risk of breast cancer.

Study Highlights

• Researchers examined data from approximately 170,000 women across European cohorts.
• Over an median follow-up of 11 years, nearly 7,000 women developed breast cancer.
• Each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with a 31% higher breast cancer risk in women with cardiovascular disease.
• No significant link was found between type 2 diabetes and breast cancer risk.

Connection Between Obesity, CVD, and Breast Cancer

Excess body weight leads to biological changes like inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalance, which can promote both cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Adipose tissue secretes hormones such as leptin, stimulating cell division in breast tissue and affecting blood pressure and immune responses.

"Excess adiposity can cause biological changes that increase the risk of both cardiovascular disease and breast cancer," explains researcher Heinz Freisling.

Prevention Tips

Experts like Dr. Christopher Berg recommend managing cardiovascular risk factors via regular physical activity, healthy eating (DASH or Mediterranean diets), quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. Strength training and consuming whole foods rich in fiber and micronutrients are also advised for reducing risk.

Maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring heart health are crucial strategies to lower the risk of both heart disease and breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

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For more insights, visit the original study published in Cancer by Wiley.