Obesity Linked to 40% of Hormone-Positive Breast Cancers in Older Women, Study Finds – U.S. News & World Report

A new study has found that obesity could be a major factor in the development of hormone-positive breast cancers in older women. According to U.S. News & World Report, researchers have discovered that up to 40% of hormone-positive breast cancers in older women could be attributed to obesity.

The study, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, analyzed data from over 60,000 postmenopausal women who were part of the Women’s Health Initiative study. The researchers found that women who were obese had a significantly higher risk of developing hormone-positive breast cancer compared to women of a healthy weight.

Hormone-positive breast cancer is a type of cancer that is fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This type of cancer is more common in older women and is typically less aggressive than other types of breast cancer. However, it can still be deadly if not detected and treated early.

The researchers believe that obesity may play a role in the development of hormone-positive breast cancer by increasing levels of estrogen in the body. Excess fat tissue can produce estrogen, which can fuel the growth of hormone-positive breast cancer cells.

This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. By maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, older women can potentially reduce their risk of developing hormone-positive breast cancer by up to 40%.

The findings of this study could have important implications for breast cancer prevention and treatment in older women. It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate their patients about the link between obesity and breast cancer and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing this deadly disease.