Excessive weight gain can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer – specifically, breast cancer in women.

The connection between excess weight and breast cancer has long been studied, and experts have found that there’s a definitive link between the two. Here’s what you need to know about how excess weight gain can contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer:.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells. It can affect both men and women, but the vast majority of breast cancer cases occur in women.

Breast cancer can develop in any part of the breast, but it most commonly affects the cells that line the milk ducts or lobules (small milk-producing glands).

How does Excess Weight Gain Increases Breast Cancer Risks?

Excess weight gain is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and most researchers believe this has to do with the way that excess fat in the body affects hormone levels.

Specifically, it’s believed that excess fat tissue leads to higher levels of estrogen circulating in the body. Estrogen, in turn, can stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells.

Additionally, carrying excess weight can increase insulin levels in the body. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, but it also has other effects on the body – including potentially promoting the growth of cancer cells.

This is believed to be particularly true for specific types of cancer, including breast cancer.

The Role of Inflammation in Breast Cancer

Excess weight can also lead to inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a range of health problems – including an increased risk of breast cancer.

When inflammation occurs, the body produces cytokines, which can cause damage to cells and potentially promote the growth of cancer. Additionally, inflammation can lead to increased levels of oxidative stress, which can be similarly damaging to cells.

Metastasis and Excess Weight Gain

Another way in which excess weight can contribute to the development of breast cancer is through metastasis – the process of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body.

Studies have found that those with higher BMIs tend to have a higher likelihood of experiencing metastasis for a range of different types of cancer, including breast cancer.

This is believed to be due to a number of factors, including the increased inflammatory response and changes to hormone levels that result from excess weight gain.

Preventing Breast Cancer in Overweight Women

There’s no surefire way to completely prevent breast cancer – but women can take steps to reduce their risk. One of the most important things women can do to reduce their breast cancer risk is to maintain a healthy weight.

This means striving to maintain a BMI below 25, which is considered the cutoff for being overweight.

In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, women can take other steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer, including:.

Limiting alcohol consumption
Getting regular exercise
Getting regular screenings and mammograms
Not using tobacco products
Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Conclusions

Excess weight gain is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, and there’s plenty of evidence to support this link.

For women who are struggling with their weight, the best thing they can do to reduce their breast cancer risk (and their risk of other health problems) is to focus on healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and a healthy diet. By doing so, they can help reduce some of the underlying factors that contribute to their weight gain and potentially reduce their breast cancer risk over time.