Obesity increases the risk of recurrence among breast cancer survivors, particularly among those taking aromatase inhibitors.
- Obesity increases the risk of recurrence in breast cancer survivors.
- This increased risk is even higher among survivors with severe obesity.
- With more than 12,000 deaths per year in France, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women.
A new study found that obesity increased the chances of recurrence among breast cancer survivors, particularly among those taking aromatase inhibitors. It is essential to better understand this relationship to improve treatments.
Breast cancer: obese women are 18% more likely to experience a recurrence
Many breast cancer survivors take hormonal medication after their treatment to prevent a recurrence. Among these drugs, anti-aromatases are often used.
Hormone-positive breast cancers are fueled by the female sex hormone, estrogen. Anti-aromatases reduce estrogen levels by stopping an enzyme in fatty tissue called aromatase from converting other hormones into estrogen.
Compared to normal-weight breast cancer survivors, obese women were 18% more likely to experience a recurrence, even when taking an aromatase inhibitor. This increased risk was even higher among survivors with severe obesity.
Breast cancer, recurrence and obesity: what role do fat cells play?
The researchers hypothesized that fat cells, which are more numerous in obese women, store estrogen, which could explain why anti-aromatases are less effective at suppressing estrogen in these women.
The precise mechanisms of this increased risk of recurrence in obese breast cancer survivors are not yet fully understood. However, researchers emphasize the importance of conducting additional clinical studies to better understand this complex relationship and identify specific factors. These studies could also help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies for obese breast cancer survivors.
Breast cancer and obesity: where is France?
To carry out the research we have just outlined, researchers analyzed data from 13,230 breast cancer survivors who had been diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer and who were taking aromatase inhibitors to prevent recurrence.
17% of French people are now obese. With more than 12,000 deaths per year in France, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women.
