Maintaining Ideal Weight At The Age Of 35 And Over Help Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer

Illustration of maintaining weight (ANTARA/Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)

JAKARTA - Keeping weight ideal after the age of 35 can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. This fact has been proven through recent research.

The study published in the journal Cancer Biology & Medicine shows the relationship between changes in the body mass index (BMI) and the risk of cancer is quite complex.

The researchers found that the weight gain that occurs during the main hormone transition, such as after the age of 35, could have a significant impact on its susceptibility to breast cancer.

The results of this study show that weight management in this critical period can play an important role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

"Our research highlights the period after the age of 35 as a very important time for weight management interventions aimed at preventing breast cancer. By overcoming weight gain in the midst of adulthood, we can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve the cancer prevention approach for women," said Dr. Daehee Kang, the lead researcher in the study, as quoted by Antara.

To understand how weight changes throughout the life cycle affect the risk of breast cancer, especially during the transition to menopause, the research team tracked weight changes in about 73,000 Korean women who were in five different stages of life.

Women who experience weight gains more than 10 kg after 35 years of age have a 41 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile, among premenopaus women, those who weigh up 5 to 9.9 kilograms have a risk of 89 percent higher, and those who experience an increase of more than 10 kg face a risk of more than double.

The study also shows a V-shaped relationship between weight gain rates and the risk of breast cancer, with the greatest risk seen in women who experience weight gains of 0.25 to 0.49 kilograms per year.

"These findings not only have academic impacts, but also open opportunities to develop public health initiatives that focus on weight management. These initiatives can include diet guidelines, increased physical activity, and an awareness campaign to empower women to better control their health," the study said in a statement.