February 23, 2010 – In women who have already had breast cancer, being overweight increases the risk of a fatal recurrence by 30%, while regular physical activity reduces it by as much. This is what the results of an American study indicate1.
The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies involving 90,059 women who survived first breast cancer and were followed up for an average of 8.5 years after treatment. The researchers had data on diet, physical activity level and body fat from a large cohort.
According to the results, the only lifestyle habits that were associated with the risk of recurrence and mortality were related to physical activity and weight. Researchers have not found any significant association, positive or negative, for the consumption of alcohol or any nutrient. At most, they point out, a statistical trend suggesting that a high intake of fat could significantly increase the risk while a good intake of fiber could lower it.
One in 9 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. It is estimated that today, 18% of affected women will die within the next 10 years. Out of 1,000 women, 110 will be affected by breast cancer and around 20 will die from it, often following cancer recurrence.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Patterson RE, Cadmus LA, et al. Physical activity, diet, adiposity and female breast cancer prognosis: A review of the epidemiologic literature. Maturitas. 2010 Jan 22
