Lifestyle And Breast Cancer: How Weight, Sleep, And Stress Play A Role

Most modifiable risk factors for breast cancer are lifestyle related, which is probably what contributes to the lower incidence of breast cancer in rural India compared to urban India. (1 in 64 vs 1 in 22 respectively.) 

Of the lifestyle factors that play a major role increasing risk, obesity is the most concerning. Every 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 12%. Post-menopausal weight puts women at higher risk for breast cancer.

Obesity also increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

This article is authored by By Dr Nita Nair, Consultant, Breast Oncosurgery, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre.

How Does Obesity Increase Risk?

Women who are overweight or obese after the menopause have a higher level of oestrogen in their bodies, which may encourage the growth of some breast cancers. This is because the hormone is also made by fatty tissue. Additionally, inflammation seen among obese individuals plays a role in cancer risk.

Is It Just Weight Or Body Fat That Is The Cause?

Women with excess body fat with normal BMI also have increased risk. Hence waist circumference, waist hip ratio are important parameters and on an average a waist of more than 32 inches suggests excess body fat and may indicate increased risk of cancer among women.

What Are The Other Diseases Associated With Obesity?

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Dementia

• Other types of cancer

• Osteoarthritis

What Steps Can Women Take To Reduce Risk?

• Exercise: At least 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week

• Increase the intake of vegetables and whole grains in the diet

• Avoid weight gain after menopause

• Limit alcohol intake

• Avoid hormone replacement therapy after menopause, unless symptoms are severe

• Avoid smoking

• Breastfeed their child

Other lifestyle factors that increase a women’s risk for breast cancer include 

• Alcohol intake : risk of breast cancer has been reported as higher among women who drink one drink a day versus those who drink one drink a week. 
• Smoking / Tobacco consumption: both active and passive smokers are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who start smoking at an early age are at higher risk and those who smoke when  diagnosed have a 6.7 times higher chance at recurrence . Smoking also hampers healing and overall survival .
• Stress : while the relationship between breast cancer risk and stress is not direct , perceived stress and other risky behaviour like alcohol intake and smoking etc contribute to increased risk.

Note: Please consult your doctor or a healthcare provider for more details. 

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