In a new study, researchers have found that both obesity and metabolic syndrome impact breast cancer risk, but in different ways. A higher metabolic score was associated with higher mortality from breast cancer, while obesity was linked to a higher incidence of the disease. The study, published in the journal Cancer, looked at information from over 63,000 women without prior breast cancer who were part of the Women’s Health Initiative. The study spanned a 20-year period and included data on body mass index (BMI) and metabolic score, which included factors such as waist circumference, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
After adjusting for BMI, a higher metabolic score (3-4) was associated with more poor-prognosis estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative breast cancers. A high metabolic score was also linked with an increased risk of deaths after a breast cancer diagnosis and higher breast cancer mortality. On the other hand, obesity was associated with a higher overall incidence of breast cancer, including more good-prognosis ER-positive, PR-positive breast cancers. Severe obesity was associated with higher breast cancer mortality.
The researchers found that a low-fat diet can reduce breast cancer mortality, especially for women with more metabolic syndrome components, such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol. They also noted that Black women have a higher prevalence of aggressive, triple-negative breast cancer and severe obesity. Dr. Parvin Peddi, a medical oncologist, emphasized the importance of controlling factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high waist circumference to reduce the risk of worse types of breast cancer.
Dr. Jack Jacoub, a medical oncologist, highlighted the importance of preventative strategies in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. He noted that efforts focusing on improving metrics associated with high metabolic syndrome may have the greatest impact on reducing breast cancer mortality. Dr. Douglas Marks, a medical oncologist, emphasized the need to consider both obesity and metabolic syndrome when counseling patients regarding their breast health. While obesity was more closely related to breast cancer incidence, obese patients did poorly following a breast cancer diagnosis compared to their non-obese peers.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing both obesity and metabolic syndrome in reducing the burden of breast cancer. While both factors increase the risk of the disease, targeting metabolic syndrome may have a greater impact on reducing breast cancer mortality. The researchers believe that preventative strategies, such as controlling glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, are essential in lowering the risk of developing breast cancer. Primary care physicians and OB/GYNs play a key role in discussing prevention strategies with patients to help reduce their risk of breast cancer.
