Breast Cancer Risk And Weight

Is there a link between weight gain and breast cancer risk? In a word: yes.

Excess weight has been linked to an increased risk of developing many cancers,  including breast cancer.

Research suggests that weight gain at any time after 18 – even weight gained during pregnancy that wasn’t ever lost – can increase a postmenopausal woman’s risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases in proportion to the amount of weight she gains.

“Studies suggest that postmenopausal women who gain 60 pounds or more during their adult years are three times more likely to be diagnosed with deadlier forms of breast cancer than women who gain less than 20 pounds,” explains Harsha Ranganath, MD, an Indianapolis physician with Oncology & Hematology Specialists, a Franciscan Physician Network practice.

Why Is Being Overweight A Risk Factor for Breast Cancer?

Many forms of breast cancer are closely linked to having high estrogen levels in the body. Postmenopausal obesity is a direct risk factor for these breast cancers.

In older women, fatty tissues in the body known as adipose tissue become the key producers of estrogen – since the ovaries stop producing estrogen at menopause.

Because postmenopausal women with higher body fat tend to have higher estrogen levels, they face a higher risk of developing certain estrogen-driven breast cancers compared with thinner women of the same age.

“Estrogen fuels the growth of most breast cancers, and this is likely why carrying excess weight increases the postmenopausal risk of developing breast cancer,” Dr. Ranganath said.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Breast Cancer Risk?

Some breast cancer risk factors, such as gender and family history, are beyond anyone’s ability to change. But having extra body weight or gaining weight as an adult can increase your change of postmenopausal breast cancer.

How to get started on lowering your breast cancer risk?

Everyone can choose to add healthy fruits and vegetables to their diet and begin a weight loss plan if needed – two key actions that can positively reduce your overall breast cancer risk.

“One of the best steps women can take to prevent breast cancer is to become physically active and lose weight if needed,” Dr. Ranganath said.

Lose Weight the Low-Impact Way

Looking for ways to reduce weight and reduce your breast cancer risk? Exercise can make a difference.

Consider adding at least 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine. Start by introducing simple, low-impact exercises that can get you up and moving without excess strain on your joints and muscles.

Dr. Ranganath suggests these low-impact exercises, which are ideal for beginners and experienced exercisers alike.

• Walking – No equipment required! If you’re walking outside or inside on a treadmill, you can challenge yourself by alternating between slow and fast speeds.
• Cycling – Ride your bike outside or consider signing up for a group spin class. Exercising with others is great motivation, but take things slowly at first.
• Elliptical machine – This is a pain-free, no-impact activity because both feet are always supported.
• Swimming –Swimming slims and tones the entire body. It is also easier on your joints.
• Rowing machine – Rowing provides a full-body workout and strengthens the upper and lower body and your core.
• Other low-impact exercises like step aerobics, stair climbing, and cross-country skiing.

In addition to weight loss, low-impact exercises offer several benefits, including:

• Strengthening bones and muscles
• Controlling glucose levels
• Increasing blood flow to promote healing and reduce pain
• Diminishing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Remember, the effort you put into losing weight will help reduce not only your risk for developing breast cancer but other cancers and chronic health conditions as well. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that excess body weight accounts for 7 percent of cancer deaths in North America.

“Excess weight is not just an issue with breast cancer,” Dr. Ranganath said. “Obesity is associated with other cancers too, including cancers of the colon, rectum, kidney, uterus, and esophagus – as well as other diseases like heart disease and diabetes.”

Have you put on additional, unwanted weight? Talk with your doctor about steps you can take to get active, lose pounds and reduce your cancer risk.