Most everyone knows that diet and exercise are key to being healthy. However, research says that overweight women heighten their risk for breast cancer.
Body Fat and Breast Cancer Development
According to a 2006 study by British researchers, obese women are 60 percent more likely to suffer from some form of cancer. Since breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, the results suggest that there may be a link between a women’s body fat and breast cancer development.
Experts explain this correlation by suggesting that since estrogen fuels many cancers and fat tissue produces estrogen, the overabundance of it may be the cause for more incidents of breast cancer in obese women.
Possible Other Causes
While the research in body fat and breast cancer development is interesting, it’s likely not the only influence. What women need to keep in mind is that breast cancer is also hereditary. If another woman in your family suffers from cancer, then you may be susceptible to developing it as well. However, it doesn’t mean you will surely get it. Your lifestyle has an influence on the likelihood of its development.
What to Take Away from this Information
If cancer runs in your family, then you should take optimal care of yourself. That means eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking. If cancer doesn’t run in your family, it doesn’t mean that you have permission to lead an unhealthy lifestyle. You may not develop cancer from it, but there many other diseases such as heart disease that you could develop if you are unhealthy.
Photo: Amy Guth
24. March 2010
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