Obesity and Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women and cancer (all types) is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is the first. We all know that cancer is serious and often a deadly health concern. Unfortunately, most of us have been touched by the impact of cancer whether it’s a friend, family member or even yourself.

Cancers typically develop in individuals over the age of 55 (78%), but we all know it can affect anyone, any time.¹ While family history can play a significant role in the development of cancer, many lifestyle choices and environmental factors can also contribute to a higher risk of developing cancer.

Women who are overweight or obese after menopause have a 30 to 60 percent higher breast cancer risk than those who are of a healthy weight.²

The World Cancer Research Fund has estimated that up to one-third of the cancer cases that occur in economically developed countries like the U.S. are related to being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, and/or having poor nutrition, and thus could also be prevented. ¹

In regards to breast cancer, potentially modifiable factors associated with increased risk include weight gain after the age of 18 and/or being overweight or obese (for postmenopausal breast cancer), use of MHT (combined estrogen and progestin), physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption.¹

Many studies have shown that being overweight adversely affects survival for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. In addition, breast cancer survivors who are more physically active, particularly after diagnosis, are less likely to die from breast cancer, or other causes, than those who are inactive.¹

The best prevention for cancer is screening and early detection along with being aware of your family medical history. In addition, living a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of developing cancer.

If you are overweight or obese, losing excess weight can reduce your risk. Studies are still being conducted, but some cases have shown that losing even 10 pounds post-menopause has reduced breast cancer risk by 20% compared to women who did not lose any weight post-menopause.²

If you are overweight or obese, our programs can help you. Our Medical Weight Loss program is a non-surgical weight loss solution that focuses on diet, exercise, and other weight-related factors. Our gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is also an effective, long-term solution to reducing or eliminating excess weight and long-term health concerns, such as cancer.

If you are interested in weight loss solutions, contact us for more information or register for one of our free informational classes!

Sources:
¹http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-044552.pdf

²http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/OverweightWeightGain.html