A new study has found an association between a woman’s body type and the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

The research, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, looked at data from over 200,000 women and found that those with a higher waist-to-hip ratio had an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancer.

What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a measure of fat distribution in the body. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference.

A high WHR indicates that more fat is stored around the waist, which is known to increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.

The Study

The study examined data from 203,371 postmenopausal women who were part of the Women’s Health Initiative. The women had an average age of 63 and were followed for an average of 12 years.

During this time, 6,301 women were diagnosed with breast, ovarian, endometrial or colorectal cancer.

The researchers found that women with a higher WHR had an increased risk of developing all four types of cancer. Specifically:.

Women with a WHR of 0.80 or higher had a 23% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with a WHR below 0.77.
Women with a WHR of 0.85 or higher had a 34% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to women with a WHR below 0.76.
Women with a WHR of 0.90 or higher had a 90% increased risk of endometrial cancer compared to women with a WHR below 0.71.
Women with a WHR of 0.96 or higher had a 38% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to women with a WHR below 0.77.

Why Does Body Type Affect Cancer Risk?

The reasons for the link between body type and cancer risk are not fully understood, but there are several theories:.

Fat cells produce estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Abdominal fat is more metabolically active than fat stored in other parts of the body, and produces more inflammation-promoting substances.

These factors can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

What Can Women Do to Reduce Their Cancer Risk?

While a woman’s body type is largely determined by genetics, there are lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer:.

Maintain a healthy weight: This can help to reduce abdominal fat and lower the risk of developing cancer.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and limit processed and high-fat foods.
Exercise regularly: This can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both of these factors can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Get regular screenings: Early detection is key for effective cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The association between body type and cancer risk is an important finding that can help to inform cancer prevention strategies.

While a woman’s body type is largely determined by genetics, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.