Increasing BMI increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women

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Tuesday, July 19, 2005 8:13 am Email this article
Even slightly elevated body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women according to a new study from the University of Hong Kong. Increasing BMI roughly doubles the risk in postmenopausal women

Compared with very thin women with a body mass index (BMI) less than 19, the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women was as follows:

• BMI 23-27 increased the risk 1.7-fold
• BMI 27-31 increased the risk 2.1-fold

Increasing BMI does not significantly increase risk in premenopausal women

Elevated BMI was also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women—an increase in risk of 1.5-fold for those with a BMI of 23-27, and an increase in risk of 1.3-fold for those with a BMI of 27-31—however, the results were not statistically significant.

This data from premenopausal women, also not statistically significant, is the opposite of other studies.

Previous studies have found that obesity lowers the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Conclusion

“Weight control in obese women may be an effective measure for breast cancer prevention in postmenopausal women,” the authors concluded.

REFERENCE

Chow L, Lui K, Chan J, Chan T, Ho P, Lee W, Leung L, Sy W, Yeung C, Yung A. Association between body mass index and risk of formation of breast cancer in chinese women. Asian J Surg. 2005 Jul, 28(3):179-84.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Surgery
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR, China

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