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The correlation between obesity and breast cancer in women

This article explores the correlation between obesity and breast cancer in women. The article provides evidence from epidemiological studies and explains how obesity influences hormonal changes, inflammation, and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of breast cancer by mariabutler
Estimated reading time: 3 min 27 sec
The correlation between obesity and breast cancer in women Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels

Obesity has become a global epidemic, increasingly affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. This condition results from excess adipose tissue accumulation due to a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet.

Obesity has been associated with various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Among all cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide.

The Epidemiology of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the breast tissue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall.

In 2020, there were approximately 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer diagnosed worldwide, accounting for 11.7% of all cancer cases. Breast cancer is also responsible for 6.9% of all cancer deaths, with an estimated 685,000 deaths in 2020. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50 years old, with a peak incidence between 60 and 69 years old.

However, breast cancer can also occur in younger women, and about 15-20% of all breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women under 45 years of age.

The Relationship Between Obesity and Breast Cancer

Research studies have shown that there is a significant association between obesity and an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

Obesity may increase the risk of breast cancer through several mechanisms, including hormonal changes, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

Hormonal Changes

Adipose tissue is a source of estrogen, which is a hormone that plays a critical role in breast cancer development.

Estrogen stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells, and high levels of estrogen exposure have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Obese women have higher levels of estrogen than non-obese women, which may explain the increased risk of breast cancer in this population.

Moreover, obesity is associated with a decrease in the level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to estrogen and reduces its bioavailability. Therefore, a decrease in SHBG levels may lead to higher levels of free estrogen, which can stimulate breast cancer development.

Related Article Excess weight gain and breast cancer risk in women Excess weight gain and breast cancer risk in women

Inflammation

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, characterized by an increased production of cytokines and chemokines. These molecules play a critical role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis.

The inflammatory condition induced by obesity may contribute to breast cancer development through the activation of various signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. These pathways promote cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion, which are essential steps in tumor development.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a state in which the body’s tissues become less responsive to insulin, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels.

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance, and as a consequence, many obese individuals develop type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone that can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells by interacting with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptors.

Therefore, obesity-induced insulin resistance may increase the risk of breast cancer development through increased insulin and IGF-1 levels.

Evidence from Epidemiological Studies

Epidemiological studies have provided strong evidence supporting the relationship between obesity and breast cancer risk.

A meta-analysis of 71 studies, including more than 220,000 cases of breast cancer, found that women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 had a 35% higher risk of breast cancer than women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2. Moreover, the stronger association between obesity and breast cancer was observed in postmenopausal women, particularly those with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) or progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) tumors.

Conclusion

Obesity is a major public health problem that increases the risk of various chronic diseases, including breast cancer.

The association between obesity and breast cancer can be explained by several mechanisms, including hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. Intervention strategies to prevent and reduce obesity are essential to improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Health promotion efforts should focus on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a healthy diet, to reduce the incidence and mortality of breast cancer.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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