Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects the breast tissues. It is more often diagnosed in women and, according to the World Health Organization, it is the most common cancer among women worldwide.

Although breast cancer can occur in men, it is rare.

There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. One of them is excess body fat. In this article, we will explore how excess body fat affects breast cancer and what can be done to minimize the risk.

Link between Excess Body Fat and Breast Cancer

A study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who are at a healthy weight.

The study revealed that women who gain weight as adults also have an increased risk of breast cancer. This is because fat tissue produces estrogen which can fuel the growth of some types of breast cancer. Women who have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies are more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower levels.

Studies have also shown that women who carry excess body fat around their waist have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who carry their fat in other parts of their body.

This is because visceral fat, which surrounds the organs in the abdominal area, produces more hormones and other substances that can increase the risk of breast cancer.

How Excess Body Fat Affects Breast Cancer Patients

If you already have breast cancer, being overweight or obese can affect your treatment and survival rate.

One study found that women who are overweight or obese when they are diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have cancer that is more advanced and harder to treat than women who are at a healthy weight. They are also more likely to experience side effects from treatment, such as lymphedema, a condition where the lymph nodes in the arm become swollen and painful.

Additionally, women who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing a recurrence of breast cancer after treatment than women who are at a healthy weight.

This may be because fat tissue produces hormones and other substances that can promote the growth of cancer cells.

How to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer

If you are concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk. One of the most effective ways is to maintain a healthy weight and reduce body fat.

This can be done by following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

A healthy diet should consist of a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products.

It is important to limit the consumption of processed and high-fat foods, as well as sugary drinks and snacks.

Physical activity is also important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, preferably spread out over the week.

Other Tips to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer

In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, there are other steps you can take to reduce the risk of breast cancer:.

Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, can increase the risk of breast cancer. It is recommended that women limit their alcohol consumption to one drink per day or less.
Don’t smoke: Smoking is linked to many types of cancer, including breast cancer. If you are a smoker, quitting can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Get screened regularly: Breast cancer screening tests, such as mammograms, can detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened and how often you should be screened based on your risk factors.
Consider breast-feeding: Breast-feeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer. Try to find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Conclusion

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as the likelihood of experiencing side effects from treatment and of cancer recurrence.

Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Other strategies, such as limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and managing stress, can also play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.