Previous studies have suggested that there is a link between obesity and breast cancer, corroborated by recent studies.
A new study by Dr.Petra H. Lahmann at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Germany, estimates the risk of breast cancer in relation to overall and abdominal obesity. It highlights that body size not fat is responsible for breast cancer.
The researchers took measurements of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), as well as waist and hip circumference of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Body size is strongly related to breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women as opposed to pre-menopausal women.
Height also plays a role vis-a-vis the risk of breast cancer for both groups, more so for post-menopausal women.
In post-menopausal women, obesity is related to increased risk of breast cancer in women who are not using HRT, with those on HRT with a low BMI having an increased risk.
Hip size is a strong predictor for fat distribution.
Overall, overweight is a modifiable breast cancer risk and thus an important measure for breast cancer prevention and prognosis.
