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Obesity Ups Breast Cancer Deaths

That is the consensus of two recent studies. The first study was done at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. The second was done at Kaiser Permanente of Southern California and involved more than 1,300 women with breast cancer. The weight of the women at the time of their diagnosis ranged from less than 133 lbs. to more than 175 lbs. Women in the heaviest weight group had a nearly two and a half times greater risk of dying from breast cancer. These same women had a nearly 5-fold increased risk of dying of breast cancer if their tumors were also estrogen-receptor (ER) negative. For early stage breast cancer, body weight at diagnosis and ER status both proved to be important predictors of breast cancer death.

Comment: There are many reasons why women should make every effort to maintain their weight within normal limits. Now, surviving breast cancer can be added to the long list.

Barbara K. Hecht,Ph.D.
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editors, MedicineNet.com

Breast Cancer Links

• Breast Cancer Prevention (Doctor's View)
• Mammogram (procedure)

Nutrition and Weight Loss Links

• Aim for a Healthy Weight (Health e-Tool)
• Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI) (the standard for overweight/obese guidelines, find out if you are at risk)
• Weight Loss & Obesity (article)
• Fast Food Salads High in Fat (comparison of several fast food salads)
• Comparing Popular Weight Loss Diets (Doctor's View)
• Heart-Healthy Recipes
• Nutrition Center