Obesity may account for 40% of hormone-positive breast cancers in older women

40% of cases of hormone-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women they may be associated with excess fat deposits.

This figure is significantly higher than previous estimates, which linked overweight to about 10% of cases (www.usnews.com).

What is hormone-positive breast cancer?

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers is a type of cancer in which the cancer cells They grow in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

These tumors have receptors that allow hormones to bind to them and stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

This type of cancer is more common in postmenopausal women and accounts for the majority of breast cancer cases.. Treatment usually includes hormone therapy to block the effects of hormones and slow the progression of the disease. (American Cancer Society)

Link between obesity and breast cancer

The study was published on October 15, 2024. in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that about 40% of hormone-positive breast cancers in postmenopausal women may be associated with excess body fat.

Researchers have found that obesity nor only increases the risk of developing breast cancer, but also negatively affects the prognosis.

Excess fat tissue produces higher levels of estrogen, that may stimulate cancer cell growth in hormone-dependent study that links obesity to higher incidence of breast cancer (Inside Precision Medicine)

Group investigation University of London, researched data from more than 200,000 postmenopausal women from different demographic groups and lifestyles.

The results showed that people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 were at significantly higher risk. more likely to get breast cancer with positive hormone receptors.

Researchers suggest that excess body fator only promotes the development of hormone-positive tumors, but can also affect the effectiveness of hormonal treatment due to changes in the levels of estrogen and other hormones in the body.

Experts emphasize the importance of weight control as a preventive measure. According to Dr. Michael Jones, co-author of the study, “The data highlight that preventing overweight and obesity in postmenopausal women “It is necessary to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.”

Dr Samantha Riley, a specialist oncologist, added that “Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organproducing hormones and growth factors that may contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.”

Prevalence of obesity in the world

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016 more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of whom more than 650 million were obese.

Since 1975, the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled, leading it to be considered a global epidemic. WHO classifies obesity as a chronic disease that requires an integrated approach to its treatment and prevention.

Obesity not only increases the risk of cancerbut also from other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“The link between obesity and breast cancer is particularly concerning. because overweight and obese women tend to have higher levels of estrogen in their bloodwhich can promote the growth of hormone-dependent tumors.

In addition, chronic inflammation associated with obesity may contribute to the creation of a biological environment conducive to the proliferation of malignant cells.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Several factors can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The most important of them include:

Genetic mutations: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with a much higher risk.

Hormonal therapy: Long-term use of hormone therapy during menopause may increase the risk.

Finally, the study was published andn Community Health Magazine reinforces the importance obesity prevention as a measure to reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.

The relationship between body fat and hormone levels suggests that maintaining a healthy weight not only benefits overall health, but also may be a critical factor in preventing certain types of cancer.

Control obesity may be a key step in reducing the incidence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. If you liked the article, please share it on your social networks and leave us a comment with your opinion.