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Cancer research

Overweight Postmenopausal Women with Heart Disease Face 31% Higher Breast Cancer Risk, Study Warns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the journal CANCER reveals that overweight postmenopausal women with heart disease may be at a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer than those without heart issues. The study, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), tracked over 168,000 women from across Europe and the UK and found a strong link between excess weight, heart health, and cancer risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overweight postmenopausal women with heart disease face a 31 per cent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those without heart disease.
  • Every 5 kg/m^2 increase in BMI led to a 31 per cent higher risk of breast cancer in women who had heart disease.
  • The increase was 13 per cent in women without heart disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes didn't significantly impact the weight-cancer link, suggesting that heart disease and excess weight together are the more dangerous combination.
  • The study found that overweight women with heart disease may face 153 extra breast cancer cases per 100,000 women each year.
  • The study's lead author, Dr. Heinz Freisling, suggested that women with a history of heart disease should be included in future weight-loss trials aimed at preventing breast cancer.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and going for regular cancer screenings are crucial for postmenopausal women, especially those with heart disease.

Statistics:

  • 168,000 women were tracked across Europe and the UK in the study.
  • 6,800 women developed breast cancer over an average follow-up period of 11 years.
  • 31% increase in breast cancer risk for overweight postmenopausal women with heart disease.
  • 13% increase in breast cancer risk for overweight women without heart disease.
  • 153 extra breast cancer cases per 100,000 women each year for overweight women with heart disease.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • CANCER journal
  • European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
  • UK Biobank
  • "Obesity and cancer: A double trouble for older women" study by Dr. Heinz Freisling et al.

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