1 In 28 Indian Women At Risk: The Alarming Breast Cancer Statistic Every Woman Should Know
Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise would neither prevent breast cancer nor enhance the overall survival rate after diagnosis.
Most importantly, younger women have increasingly been diagnosed with breast cancer, a significant risk factor for which was revealed to be obesity. Some breast cancers are hormone-sensitive and, therefore, may depend on the level of hormones in the body. These are females who possess a mass amount of fat tissue. This mass typically occurs in the abdominal region. The extra fat tissue produces excess estrogen, one of the breast's primary hormones.
Dr Reshma Puranik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, shares explains how higher levels of estrogen, with time, lead to the eventual cause of breast cancer:
- Additionally, the risk of having cancer return is also linked to obesity.
- In addition, even though her cancer is being managed well and is eradicated, an overweight woman is at increased risk of her breast cancer returning.
- This is because the fat cells will continue producing estrogen, which highly determines the types of hormone-positive breast cancers.
- Therefore, while new cases increase, obesity also raises the risk of its return in treated patients.
Obesity Causes Raised Levels Of Insulin
Consequently, it increases the risk for a host of cancers, including breast cancer. It has been reported that with each 5-point BMI increase, the possibility of having breast cancer is increased by about 12%. These statistics illustrate the seriousness of handling obesity as an issue not only in its prevention but also in managing breast cancer.
An Ideal Lifestyle Would Help Counter These Risks
- First, an adequate diet and constant exercise should be maintained to achieve and sustain perfect weight levels. Moreover, regular physical activity at least 30 minutes daily helps maintain a reduced cancer risk by controlling body weight. Exercise has other health benefits besides weight control.
- Although obesity does not impact the curative potential of breast cancer treatments, it is essential to consider long-term implications. Women who have been treated for breast cancer should be aiming for a healthy weight to reduce their chances of recurrence.
Conclusion
Obesity is associated with a prominent link to breast cancer. Obesity, therefore, not only increases the risk of the eventual development of breast cancer but also influences the chances of recurrence among those already treated. In other words, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise would neither prevent breast cancer nor enhance the overall survival rate after diagnosis. A healthy lifestyle would play a massive role in reducing risk, thereby generally improving well-being in women.
