Maintaining a healthy bodyweight could combat faulty genes
Young women who carry a breast cancer gene can reduce the risk of developing the disease by losing weight, a new study has found.
According to a research team consisting of American, Canadian and Polish scientists, women shedding at least 10 pounds between the age of 18 and 30 could cut the risk of developing the cancer by up to 65%.
The study, which looked at more than 2,000 women carrying either a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer gene, also found that gaining weight could in some circumstances lead to an increased risk of the disease.
This was evident among the subgroup of BRCA1 gene carriers, who have had at least two children. They were found to have a 44% higher chance of developing the disease if they gained more than 10 pounds between the ages of 18 and 30.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Kat Arney, cancer information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight throughout adult life for women who have inherited an increased risk of breast cancer due to faults in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The results are interesting because previous studies have not found a link between pre-menopausal weight gain and increased cancer risk in the general population.
"However, maintaining a healthy weight is also one of the best ways for everyone to reduce their chances of getting cancer."
Dr Sarah Rawlings, head of policy at the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, added: "The link between weight and breast cancer is complex and we recommend that all women maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly."
