Abstract
As prevalence of obesity continues to rise in the United States, we are beginning to elucidate the complex role of obesity-associated chronic inflammation, endocrine dysfunction, and hormone production as a driver for increased breast cancer risk. Epidemiological data suggest that obesity (BMI [ 30) is associated with increased breast cancer incidence, worse prognosis, and higher mortality rates. Mechanistically, obesity and excess fat mass represent a state of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, adipokine imbalance, and increased estrogen signaling. This pro-tumorigenic environment stimulates cancer development through abnormal growth, proliferation, and survival of mammary tissue. Importantly, obesity is a modifiable risk factor; alterations in cell proliferation, apoptosis, circulating estrogen, and insulin sensitivity are observed in response to weight loss attainable through behavior modification including dietary and exercise changes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 14 |
Journal | Current Surgery Reports |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adipocyte
- Adipokines
- Adiponectin
- Aromatase
- BMI
- Breast cancer
- Estrogen receptor Leptin
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Inflammation
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Overweight
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery