How Does Excess Weight drive Breast Cancer? - Dr Mukul Roy

Breast cancer is a cancer that arises in the breast tissue or the mammary glands.

The breast tissue consists of the glands which are basically the milk producing subunits/ lobules and the stroma which is the supporting tissue around the mammary glands. Breast cancer develops in women and a small percentage of men as well.

There are many risk factors that lead to breast cancer, few which are modifiable and few that are non-modifiable.

Age: The risk of breast cancer goes up with age. Two out of three invasive breast cancers develop in women 55 or older.

Gender: Breast cancers are seen more often in women and hence being a woman itself is a significant risk factor.

Family History: Relatives — especially primary degree— who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Genetics: About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, Personal History of Breast Cancer, Radiation to Chest Before Age 30

Pregnancy History: The age of giving birth to the first child and the number of times of pregnancy— affect the risk of developing breast cancer.

Breastfeeding: decreases breast cancer risk.

Menstrual History: The first period before the age of 12 increases the risk of breast cancer later in life.

Being Overweight: Overweight and obese women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who have a healthy weight, especially after menopause.

Lack of Exercise: Regular exercising at a moderate or intense level for four to seven hours per week decreases the risk of breast cancer.

Smoking: Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in younger women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some types of HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Being Overweight or obese is known to be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, more so after menopause. It also increases the risk of breast cancer coming back (recurrence) in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer as well.

The risk increases because fat cells make estrogen & extra fat cells mean more estrogen in the body. Estrogen can stimulate hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers to develop & grow. The association between extra weight and breast cancer is complicated and multifactorial as well.

The location of the extra weight is also equally important. Excessive belly fat may increase risk more than the same amount of extra fat around your thighs/hips.

There are studies which also say that the breast cancer that arises in obese women may be of a different type as well. A recent study in 2023 has found that breast cancer cells have more inflammation and different kinds of mutations in women with a BMI more than 30 than in those ladies with a lesser BMI.

It is, therefore, essential to maintain a healthy body weight. Losing weight becomes more challenging with increasing age because of various other factors. It is best to discuss your ideal weight with your doctor, depending on height, age, activity level, and body type, and then decide on a safe and sensible plan to achieve a healthy weight.

Achieving a Healthy Body Weight

Many people believe that calorie counting is the only thing that helps, but calories are just one part of the whole thing. The source of the calories is equally important. For example, consuming 1200 calories made of biscuits, bread, fried items, and chips is way unhealthier than 1200 calories comprised of fruits, whole grains, lean meat and plant proteins. A lot of weight management also depends on the insulin levels in the body as well.

• Consuming less than 10% of calories per day from added sugars

• Getting less than 10% of calories per day from saturated fats

• Consuming less than 2,300 mg per day of salt.

• Restrict or limit refined carbohydrates, sugars and alcohol.

• Small portions (no more than 6 to 7 ounces daily) of lean meat or poultry.

• Plateful of fresh, nutrient-dense foods.

• Fill two-thirds of your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and one-third or less with meat/healthy proteins and dairy products.

• Incorporating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Eating fruit and vegetables & more whole grains makes you feel full longer and reduces the temptation of junk food.

• Drinking water & drinks with no added sugar in between meals.

• Avoid aerated drinks, lemonade, sweetened iced tea, and juices.

• Healthy snacking