Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk in Post-Menopausal Women
Author Information
Author(s): I. den Tonkelaar, J.C. Seidell, H.J.A. Collette, F. de Waard
Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology, University of Utrecht
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between obesity, fat distribution, and breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women?
Conclusion
The study found no significant relationship between obesity or fat distribution and breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women.
Supporting Evidence
- 260 women developed breast cancer during the follow-up period.
- Fat distribution was unrelated to breast cancer incidence.
- Women in the upper decile of Quetelet's index had a 1.9 times higher risk for breast cancer.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether being overweight or having certain body fat patterns affects the chances of getting breast cancer in older women, and it found that it doesn't.
Methodology
The study followed 9,746 post-menopausal women over 15 years, measuring their body fat and tracking breast cancer cases.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of obesity due to changes in fatness over time.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing breast cancer risk, and the population was previously screened for breast cancer.
Participant Demographics
Post-menopausal women aged 49-66 at intake.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1-3.3
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