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A recent study published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, has shed light on the concerning association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and mortality risk among women battling breast cancer. Conducted by researchers at The Lundquist Institute in California, US, the study underscores the importance of addressing MetS in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
Metabolic syndrome, characterized by obesity along with high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, or abnormal cholesterol levels, has long been recognized as a precursor to various health complications. However, its specific impact on breast cancer outcomes has been less clear until now.
The study, which analyzed data from 63,330 postmenopausal women without prior breast cancer, utilized MetS scores ranging from 0 to 4 based on factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and obesity. Over a median follow-up period of 23.2 years, the researchers observed 4,562 incident cases of breast cancer and 659 deaths attributed to breast cancer.
Of significant concern was the finding that higher MetS scores, particularly in the range of 3 to 4, were associated with an increased risk of poor prognosis breast cancers, specifically those classified as oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive and progesterone receptor (PR)-negative. Shockingly, this group also faced a staggering 44% higher risk of mortality from breast cancer.
Interestingly, the study also illuminated the divergent impacts of obesity and MetS on breast cancer subtypes. While obesity, irrespective of MetS score, was linked to a higher incidence of certain breast cancer types, including ER-positive and PR-positive cancers, it did not exhibit the same detrimental effect on mortality risk as MetS.
However, the researchers noted that women with severe obesity were at elevated risk of death from breast cancer, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the disease’s relationship with metabolic health.
Lead author Rowan T. Chlebowski emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “Postmenopausal women with higher MetS scores are a previously unrecognized population at higher breast cancer mortality risk.” Chlebowski further stressed the importance of routine health assessments in identifying MetS, which can be determined through simple measurements such as cholesterol levels, diabetes history, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
The implications of this study are profound, signaling the need for comprehensive strategies that address not only breast cancer treatment but also underlying metabolic health issues. By integrating metabolic syndrome management into breast cancer care protocols, healthcare providers may be able to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in this vulnerable population.
As the medical community continues to unravel the complexities of breast cancer, studies like this serve as critical milestones in the ongoing quest to enhance patient care and survival rates.
