Higher BMI Raises Breast Cancer Risk in Women With CVD

A new European study, published in the journal Cancer, reveals that postmenopausal women who are both overweight and have heart disease face a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to their healthier peers. The findings highlight an important intersection between obesity, cardiovascular health, and cancer risk (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Body mass index and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women with and without cardiometabolic diseases: Findings from two prospective cohort studies in Europe

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Key Statistics Linking BMI, Cardiovascular Disease, and Breast Cancer Risk

Researchers analyzed data from over 168,000 postmenopausal women across Europe and found a striking link between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer risk, especially in those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) . For every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI, women with CVD saw a 31% higher risk of breast cancer, compared to a 13% increase in those without CVD.

Being overweight or obese (BMI ≥25) and having CVD together led to 1.53 additional cases of breast cancer per 1,000 women per year than expected. Interestingly, type 2 diabetes did not significantly affect the risk, showing that heart health, rather than diabetes, amplifies the danger of excess weight.

How Obesity and CVD Interact with Breast Cancer Risk

Carrying extra weight after menopause is already a known risk factor for breast cancer. This happens partly because fat tissue produces more estrogen, which can fuel the growth of certain breast tumors. When cardiovascular disease is added to the picture, the body experiences even greater inflammation, hormonal changes, and metabolic stress. This combination seems to create a more favorable environment for cancer cells to grow and spread.

Women without heart problems still have an increased risk with higher BMI, but the impact is much less pronounced. This suggests that maintaining both a healthy weight and a strong cardiovascular profile may be essential for long-term breast health.

Why Diabetes Does Not Show the Same Effect

The study also looked at type 2 diabetes (T2D) , which often goes hand in hand with obesity. Surprisingly, diabetes did not significantly change the relationship between BMI and breast cancer risk. This finding suggests that the mechanisms behind CVD, such as vascular damage and chronic inflammation, may play a more direct role in triggering cancer than blood sugar levels alone.

What This Means for Postmenopausal Women

For postmenopausal women, the study reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach to health. Combining weight management, heart health monitoring, and routine cancer screenings could help detect potential risks earlier.

This research also underscores the importance of tailored prevention strategies. Women with a history of heart disease may need closer breast cancer screening, especially if they are overweight. Doctors might also consider more aggressive lifestyle interventions in this group, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular care.

How Obesity, Heart Disease, and Breast Cancer Risks Are Linked

This discovery is a reminder of how interconnected our health systems are. Obesity, heart disease, and cancer do not exist in isolation. They often share common pathways, including inflammation and hormonal imbalances. By addressing one condition, such as heart disease, we may reduce the chances of developing another, like breast cancer.

It also highlights the importance of looking beyond traditional risk factors. While family history and genetics are well-known, lifestyle-related conditions like CVD may amplify cancer risks in ways we are only beginning to understand.

The study sends a powerful message: postmenopausal women who are both overweight and living with heart disease face a much higher risk of breast cancer compared to others. Maintaining a healthy weight and protecting your heart health could do more than just prevent heart attacks. It may also lower your chances of developing one of the most common cancers in women.

If you or someone you care about is postmenopausal, now is the time to talk to a doctor about heart health, weight management, and breast cancer screening. Taking proactive steps today could protect your future in more ways than one.

Reference:

1. Body mass index and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women with and without cardiometabolic diseases: Findings from two prospective cohort studies in Europe - (https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.35911)

Source-Medindia