October 19, 2006 – Women predisposed to breast cancer should avoid any weight gain after menopause, according to a Canadian study published in the Breast Cancer Research and Treatment1.
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Genes involved |
A team from the Center hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) carried out a study among 137 French-speaking Quebecers – all with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer – in collaboration with the Center for Research on Women’s Health at Women’s College Hospital , in Toronto.
According to the results obtained, women who, after the age of 18 recorded a weight gain of more than 16 kg, had a 4.6 times greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who took less than 5.5 kg. At least, for women with an abnormality of one or the other of two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Three times higher after 43 years
The age at which the maximum weight is acquired during a lifetime has an impact on the risk of suffering from breast cancer. Thus, if the greatest weight is reached after 43 years, the risk is three times higher than if it is registered before 34 years.
The age factor would also be one of the most consistent data in this study, according to the researchers. This leads them to stress the importance of avoiding weight gain after menopause in women at risk.
The effect of calories, starting with menopause, could be due to an interaction between fat and estrogen. Among other things, fatty tissue could have an increased effect on the production and circulation of estrogen at this stage of life.
Taking into account all the major sources of energy (fat, carbohydrates, proteins, sugars and alcohol), the researchers were able to establish that the absorption of more than 2339 kilocalories (kcal) per day increases by almost three times the risk of breast cancer compared to an absorption between 1724 kcal and 2339 kcal.
An astonishing result, according to the research team: the energy expenditure caused by physical activity does not reduce the risk of cancer in women at risk. The only preventative measure for these women is to limit calorie intake, according to the study’s findings.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
According to Nutraingredient and Forum.
1. Nkondjock A, Robidoux A, et al. Diet, Lifestyle and BRCA-related breast cancer risk among French-Canadians, Breast Cancer Res Treat (2006) 98: 285-294
