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A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that excess body weight may significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, especially those with cardiovascular disease. The research, published in the American Cancer Society’s journal CANCER, provides fresh insights into how the risk of breast cancer varies based on the presence of heart disease or type 2 diabetes in this population.
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Every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI was linked to a 31% higher risk of breast cancer in women who developed cardiovascular disease during the study period.
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For women without heart disease, the same BMI increase was associated with a 13% higher risk of breast cancer.
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The presence or absence of type 2 diabetes did not significantly alter the relationship between BMI and breast cancer risk; women with or without diabetes showed similarly elevated risks linked to higher BMI.
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The combination of being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and having cardiovascular disease could result in 153 additional breast cancer cases per 100,000 women per year compared to those without these risk factors.
The study analyzed data from 168,547 postmenopausal women who were initially free of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, using information from two large research databases: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the UK Biobank. Over a median follow-up of about 11 years, 6,793 women developed breast cancer.
According to Dr. Heinz Freisling, who led the research at the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), these findings could help inform more targeted breast cancer screening programs and inspire future research, particularly weight-loss trials for breast cancer prevention in women with a history of cardiovascular disease.
The link between excess weight and cancer risk is already well established. Being overweight or obese is known to increase the risk of at least 12 types of cancer, including uterine, kidney, liver, and colorectal cancers. Recent studies also indicate that overweight and obese women are more likely to be diagnosed with larger and more advanced-stage breast tumors.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from a scientific study and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals concerned about their health or cancer risk should consult a qualified healthcare provider.
