OBESITY AND BREAST CANCER

WARNING!!! The purpose of this blog post is to not promote fear as our goal is to always educate our patients and increase awareness of topics we are passionate about.

In our efforts to continue increasing awareness of breast cancer, the goal of this week's blog is to highlight risk factors of breast cancer.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of this condition. First, there are non-modifiable risk factors, like age and gender.

Second, there are certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, that can increase the risk.

But let's not forget about the modifiable risk factors – things you can potentially control. These include factors like OBESITY, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Before menopause, a woman's ovaries make most of her estrogen and fat tissue makes only a small part of the total amount. After menopause (when the ovaries stop making estrogen), most estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue after menopause can raise estrogen levels and increase the chances of getting breast cancer.

Women who are overweight also tend to have higher blood insulin levels. Higher insulin levels have been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.

Evidence is growing that regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk, especially in women past menopause. The main question is how much activity is needed. Some studies have found that even as little as a couple of hours a week might be helpful, although more seems to be better.

Exactly how physical activity might reduce breast cancer risk isn’t clear, but it may be due to its effects on body weight, inflammation, and hormone levels.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or going over the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal.

At Ageless Ego Weight Loss & Wellness we incorporate the titration of exercise as part of our weight loss packages. Our goal is always health promotion and prevention!

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Schedule your consultation today.

Refer a friend and receive $25 off any service of your choice.

Sincerely,

Deante' Brown, MS APRN NP-C

Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/lifestyle-related-breast-cancer-risk-factors.html#:~:text=Being%20overweight%20or%20obese,-Being%20overweight%20or&text=Having%20more%20fat%20tissue%20after,some%20cancers%2C%20including%20breast%20cancer.