Discover the Two Lifestyle Choices That May Heighten Your Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study in the UK has highlighted a connection between weight gain and the timing of childbirth, suggesting that these factors may increase the risk of breast cancer. According to the research, women who gained a significant amount of weight after age 20 and had their first child after 30—or didn’t have children at all—were nearly three times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who had their first baby earlier and maintained a stable weight.

This research was shared at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga. Lead researcher Lee Malcomson from the University of Manchester pointed out the concerning trend: more women in the UK are overweight or obese today than a decade ago, and many are delaying childbirth. At the same time, breast cancer diagnoses have reached record highs.

Malcomson emphasized that understanding the relationship between the age of motherhood and weight gain can help identify women at greater risk of breast cancer, allowing for better-targeted lifestyle advice.

The study analyzed data from over 48,000 women, primarily around 57 years old, with an average body mass index of about 26.3. This data was crucial for drawing connections between timing of childbirth, weight gain, and breast cancer risk.

For example, researchers found that women who gave birth at younger ages gained less weight overall during adulthood—on average, about 0.21 kg more for each year they delayed pregnancy. Interestingly, earlier pregnancies seemed to offer some protection against post-menopausal breast cancer, aligning with previous studies. However, the researchers noted that early pregnancy did not offset the increased risks tied to significant weight gain.

In summary, women with a weight increase of over 30% during adulthood who had their first child after 30 or chose not to have children were about 2.73 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with an early first pregnancy and minimal weight change.

This study is notable for illustrating how weight management and the timing of childbirth interact influencingly on breast cancer risk. Dr. Kotryna Temcinaite, a representative from Breast Cancer Now, emphasized that while weight and pregnancy patterns play a role, many other factors—including genetics and lifestyle choices—also influence breast cancer risk.

Aside from following research, sticking to a healthy diet, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to lowering the risk of breast cancer, offering actionable insights for women looking to manage their health proactively.

For more information on breast cancer research and prevention, you can visit Breast Cancer Now.

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