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Key Points

A WHO study reveals that higher BMI significantly increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease. The research found a 31% higher risk for every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI among women with heart conditions. Unlike CVD, type 2 diabetes did not show a similar impact on breast cancer risk. The findings advocate for personalized screening and weight management programs for high-risk groups.

Key Points: WHO Study Links BMI and Breast Cancer Risk in Women With Heart Disease

  • Higher BMI raises breast cancer risk 31% in women with heart disease
  • No significant link found between type 2 diabetes and breast cancer risk
  • Overweight women with CVD may see 153 extra breast cancer cases per 100,000
  • Study calls for weight loss trials to include women with CVD history
2 min read

BMI may influence breast cancer risk in women with heart disease: WHO study

WHO research reveals higher BMI increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease, urging tailored screening and prevention strategies.

"The findings of this study could be used to inform risk-stratified breast cancer screening programmes. – Heinz Freisling, WHO/IARC"

New Delhi, July 7

Excess weight may increase the risk of developing breast cancer among postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), published on Monday.

Higher body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society CANCER, unravels how the risk differs among women with and without cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

It showed that each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a 31 per cent higher risk of breast cancer in women who developed cardiovascular disease during follow-up and a 13 per cent higher risk in women without cardiovascular disease.

The development of type 2 diabetes did not seem to affect breast cancer risk: women with or without type 2 diabetes had a similarly elevated breast cancer risk related to higher BMI.

“The findings of this study could be used to inform risk-stratified breast cancer screening programmes,” said a team led by Heinz Freisling, from the WHO’s specialised cancer research team, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The team analysed data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and UK Biobank on 168,547 postmenopausal women who did not have, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease when they agreed to participate.

After a median follow-up of 10.7 years in EPIC and 10.9 years in UK Biobank, 6,793 postmenopausal women developed breast cancer.

Further, the study noted that the combination of overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and cardiovascular disease was estimated to lead to 153 more cases of breast cancer per 100,000 people per year than expected.

“This study should also inspire future research to include women with a history of cardiovascular diseases in weight loss trials for breast cancer prevention,” Freisling said.

The link between excess weight and increased cancer risk is well established.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for 12 cancers, including uterine, kidney, liver, and colorectal cancer.

A recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications, showed that that overweight and obese women are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumours and more advanced-stage breast cancer.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The study makes sense but I wish they included more data from Asian populations. BMI standards might differ for Indian body types. Still, a wake-up call for my mother and aunts who think "healthy weight" is only for young girls.
A
Anjali F
As a breast cancer survivor, I can't stress enough how important this information is! Indian women often neglect their health after 50, focusing only on family. Ladies, please get regular check-ups and maintain healthy weight. Your life is precious ❤️
S
Sarah B
The 31% increased risk statistic is alarming. Government hospitals should offer free BMI screenings along with their existing cancer detection programs. Prevention is better than cure, especially when treatment costs are so high in India.
V
Vikram M
While the study is important, it's missing practical solutions. Most Indian women in their 50s-60s don't have access to gyms or nutritionists. We need simple, culturally appropriate weight management solutions - maybe through local anganwadi workers?
K
Kavya N
Interesting that diabetes didn't show same effect as heart disease. Makes me wonder if the real culprit is inflammation rather than just weight? More research needed, but meanwhile, morning walks and reducing ghee intake won't hurt anyone! 😊

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