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Weight
Being overweight or obese after the menopause increases the risk of breast cancer.
We don't know exactly why this is but it is likely to be because, after the menopause, fat tissue becomes the main source of the female hormone oestrogen. The more fat tissue you have, the higher your levels of oestrogen are likely to be, and this in turn may increase your risk of breast cancer.
Putting on weight after age 18 is also known to increase breast cancer risk. Research studies have shown that the more weight a woman gains over the course of her adult life, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer will be after she has gone through the menopause.
Whether you have been through the menopause or not, being overweight is associated with a variety of health problems, including increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and several other types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life can help to reduce the risk of many diseases as well as promoting general good health.
For more information, see our fact sheet Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk: the Facts.
Putting on weight after age 18 is also known to increase breast cancer risk. Research studies have shown that the more weight a woman gains over the course of her adult life, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer will be after she has gone through the menopause.
Whether you have been through the menopause or not, being overweight is associated with a variety of health problems, including increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and several other types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life can help to reduce the risk of many diseases as well as promoting general good health.
For more information, see our fact sheet Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk: the Facts.
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