Diabetic patients (type 2) are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, particularly post-menopausal women, a new study reveals. In all probability, high body mass is responsible for the development of breast cancer.
The study published in the British Journal of Cancer, Friday Sept. 14 found women with type 2 diabetes at 30 percent higher chances of developing breast cancer than others.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among American women. According to official records, nearly 226,870 women in the country have invasive breast cancer and about 39,510 die every year from breast cancer.
Researchers from the International Prevention Research Institute looked at 40 previous studies that covered 56,000 cases of breast cancer across four continents.
The results showed the risk of breast cancer more common among post-menopausal diabetic patients.
However, Professor Peter Boyle and colleagues couldn't find any breast cancer risks associated with diabetes in pre-menopausal women or type 1 diabetes.
According to the authors, a high body mass index (BMI), often accompanying diabetes may be leading to the occurrence.
"Our study found a significantly increased risk of breast cancer in women who had diabetes, which was restricted to those of post-menopausal age," Boyle, lead author of the study and President of i-PRI said, in a news release.
"We don't yet know the mechanisms behind why type 2 diabetes might increase the risk of breast cancer. On the one hand, it's thought that being overweight, often associated with type 2 diabetes, and the effect this has on hormone activity may be partly responsible for the processes that lead to cancer growth. But it's also impossible to rule out that some factors related to diabetes may be involved in the process."
After proving the link, health experts urge women to follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight to keep away the breast cancer risks.
"But as we know that having a high BMI can contribute to an increased risk of both type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, it makes sense for women to try and maintain a healthy weight," said Martin Ledwick, head information nurse at Cancer Research UK.
"Anyone who is concerned should consult their GP for advice and consider changes to their lifestyle, such as increasing their level of physical activity and changes to their diet, to keep the risks as low as possible."
