Link between Obesity and Breast Cancer

by Jen Page

The apparent likelihood of a connection between breast cancer and being overweight is an issue of growing concern. Statistical evidence has shown that women with excessive upper body and abdominal fat account for a large percentage of breast cancer patients. No conclusive results have been made on the subject but numerical evidence has shown quite significant data alluding to this possible correlation.

The possible explanation for this possible relation is the fact that overweight individuals store xenestrogens in extra fatty cells. These xenestrogens are dangerous compounds that come about as a result of environmental pollution. Xenestrogens are known to promote cancerous tumors especially around the breast area. The more of it that is spread in fatty tissues, the more likely one is to develop a cancerous tumor. Development of breast cancer, therefore, is primarily said to be as a result of the effect and actions of certain hormones in the body.

Weight gain immediately before and after menopause, has shown likelihood of increasing the risk of breast cancer. During this period, the ovaries stop the production of estrogen, which is sourced from body fat in women. A woman who has excess body fat during this transitional menopause stage will have a large amount of estrogen in the postmenopausal stage, which may contribute to increased breast cancer risk. Surprisingly, other studies have shown that obesity in some cases can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer. These studies show that being overweight usually causes irregularities in menstrual cycles that may limit ovulation. With less ovulation, it means there will be lower levels of hormones such as progesterone and estradiol, which promote breast cancer.

Scientists are now studying the relationship between obesity and a debilitating form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer. In this form of cancer, the lymph vessels are blocked by cancer cells causing skin around the breast to look swollen and inflamed. Larger samples of the women diagnosed with this form of breast cancer were overweight compared to a smaller number of leaner women affected. It is believed that increased fat tissue could be a major factor that causes the inflammation that characterizes this form of breast cancer. Fat cells are also known to produce hormones and chemicals that promote the existence of cancer.

A factor that leads to higher death rates for obese individuals with breast cancer is that detection is harder for overweight patients. Therefore, the cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a much later stage than for one who is leaner. If the cancer is not detected early enough, then treatment may not be as effective. Evidence has also shown the prevalence of breast cancer in communities that tend to have a higher average weight. A continent such as Asia where average body mass is lower than other regions of the world has recorded much lower prevalence weights for breast cancer. Though occurrences of breast cancer are mostly considered to be genetic, more evidence is emerging concerning other possible causes of this disease.

About the Author

Jen Page is a contributing author to Weight-Loss-Center.net, an authority website offering information about Weight Loss, Diet & Nutrition and Health.