Beyond BMI: Excess Body Fat Linked to 40% of Hormone-Positive Breast Cancer Cases

A groundbreaking Spanish study reveals that excess body fat may contribute to a staggering 40% of hormone-positive breast cancer cases in postmenopausal women, far exceeding previous estimates.

Key Findings:

1. CUN-BAE measures body fat more accurately than BMI.
2. 40% of hormone-positive breast cancer cases may be attributed to excess body fat.
3. BMI underestimates obesity’s impact on breast cancer risk.

Study Details:

• 1,033 postmenopausal women with breast cancer and 1,143 controls participated.
• CUN-BAE categorized body fat: <35%, 35-39.9%, 40-44.9%, and ≥45%.
• BMI classifications: <25 kg/m2, 25-29.9, 30-34.9, and ≥35.

Implications:

1. More accurate body fat measures like CUN-BAE can better estimate cancer risk.
2. Excess body fat significantly increases hormone-positive breast cancer risk.
3. Effective prevention initiatives require precise obesity measurements.

Reference:

“Burden of postmenopausal breast cancer attributable to excess body weight: comparative study of body mass index and CUN-BAE in MCC-Spain study” (Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health)