Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk: Caution, The Shocking Link

Obesity and breast cancer: Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide. In addition to being linked to other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, obesity also increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2 million new cases of breast cancer occur each year.

Breast cancer is caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors. The latter include lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

How can overweight and obesity cause cancer?

Cancer has become a major health concern around the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer claims over 8 million lives each year. In 2018 alone, approximately 14.1 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide. This number is expected to rise to 22 million by 2030.

The WHO estimates that 80% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or avoiding alcohol consumption. Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Overweight and obesity are known risk factors for various types of cancer. The mechanisms through which excess body weight contributes to cancer development are complex and multifaceted.

Here are some ways in which overweight and obesity can increase the risk of cancer:

1. Chronic inflammation: Excess body fat can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, which can promote the development of cancer cells and their growth. Inflammation can also interfere with the body’s immune response to cancer cells.
2. Hormonal imbalance: Adipose tissue (fat cells) produces certain hormones, such as estrogen, insulin, and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Elevated levels of these hormones in overweight and obese individuals can fuel the growth of certain hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
3. Insulin resistance: Obesity often leads to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. This can result in higher insulin levels in the blood, which may promote the growth of cancer cells.
4. Altered metabolism: Excess body weight can disrupt normal metabolic processes, including the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. These metabolic changes can create an environment that supports the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
5. Immune dysfunction: Obesity can impair the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. It can also negatively impact the effectiveness of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
6. Fat cell characteristics: Adipose tissue in overweight and obese individuals undergoes structural and functional changes, including alterations in gene expression and the release of adipokines (cell signaling proteins). These changes can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

What types of cancer are linked to obesity?

According to the American Cancer Society, cancers of the breast, colon, endometrium (uterus), esophagus, kidney, liver, pancreas, prostate, stomach, thyroid gland, uterus, ovary, cervix, mouth, lip, tongue, tonsil, nasal cavity, brain, bone, blood, skin, eye, connective tissue, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be associated with being overweight or obese.

Obesity increases the risk for several cancers including breast, colon, endometrial (uterine), kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, thyroid, and gallbladder. It also raises the risk for some non-cancerous conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Factors Associated with Obesity and Breast Cancer

Factors Obesity is a known risk factor for developing breast cancer, but the relationship between the two is complex and multifactorial. Several factors contribute to the association between obesity and breast cancer, shedding light on why obese women may face an increased risk of this disease.

Tumor Size: It has been observed that obese women tend to have larger tumors at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. The exact mechanisms behind this correlation are not fully understood, but it suggests that obesity may play a role in tumor growth and progression.

Hormonal Factors: Adipose tissue, or fat tissue, produces hormones such as estrogen and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which can promote the development of breast cancer. Obesity is characterized by increased production of these hormones, creating an environment that may facilitate tumor development.

Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, is commonly associated with obesity. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, but it also has other effects on the body, including promoting cell growth and division. Insulin resistance may contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer in obese individuals.

Age at Diagnosis: Interestingly, obesity has been linked to a younger age at breast cancer diagnosis. While the exact reasons for this association are not fully understood, it suggests that obesity may have different effects on breast cancer risk depending on the age of the individual.

Recurrence Risk: Obesity also impacts the risk of breast cancer recurrence, particularly in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that obese women have a higher risk of recurrence compared to non-obese women. However, the relationship between weight status and recurrence risk may vary before and after menopause.

It is important to note that while obesity increases the risk of developing breast cancer and may affect treatment outcomes, individual factors, and genetic predisposition also play a significant role in determining an individual’s risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting a balanced diet can all contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer and improving overall health.

Breast Cancer Early Signs

Early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms allows for prompt medical evaluation and appropriate intervention.

Here are some common early signs of breast cancer to be aware of:

• Breast lump or thickening: A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area is often the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. It may feel different from the surrounding tissue and persist even after the menstrual cycle.
• Changes in breast size or shape: Any unexplained changes in breast size, shape, or contour should be evaluated. This may include swelling, shrinkage, or asymmetry between the breasts.
• Nipple changes: Look out for changes in the nipple, such as inversion (pulling inward), retraction, or a change in direction. Discharge from the nipple, particularly if it is bloody, should also be evaluated.
• Skin changes: Pay attention to any unusual changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, dimpling, puckering, or thickening. These changes may resemble an orange peel texture.
• Breast pain or tenderness: While breast pain is not always a sign of breast cancer, persistent or unexplained pain in the breast or nipple should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Breast cancer awareness

The association between breast cancers and increased body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity may be related to increased estrogen levels, according to new research.

It’s important to note that while overweight and obesity are risk factors for cancer, not everyone who is overweight or obese will develop cancer. The risk varies depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall health.

To reduce the risk of cancer, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Regular screenings and early detection are also crucial for detecting cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable.

Steps you can take

1. Early detection: Breast cancer has a higher chance of successful treatment when detected early. Breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms are essential tools for early detection. Breast cancer awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of regular screenings and encourage individuals to seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their breasts.
2. Losing weight can be harder as you get older, but it can be done with careful changes to your diet and regular exercise. The first thing to do is to talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you based on your age, height, body type, and activity level.
3. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support in managing weight and reducing cancer risks.
4. BMI women chart & BMI Calculator. Check your BMI using this calculator or https://www.deliveryrank.com/tools/bmi-calculator
5. Breast cancer awareness campaigns provide information about support services, resources, and organizations available for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. These resources may include support groups, counseling services, financial assistance programs, and access to treatment options.

Source & Credits

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/increases-in-bmi-potty-belly-linked-to-higher-risk-for-male-breast-cancer

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-cancer-signs-and-symptoms.html

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