Abstract
BackgroundObesity and physical activity are modifiable risk factors in the development of post-menopausal breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and prevalence of these factors in women attending family history clinics.MethodsWomen attending the breast cancer family history clinic from 2004 to 2006 completed a questionnaire (SP15 format) about their knowledge of and exposure to various diet and lifestyle factors. All women had been counselled by a Consultant Cancer Geneticist and were given verbal and written information on the effect of life style on breast cancer risk. Responses were analysed using SPSS™ software.ResultsThe response rate was 70% and two thirds of women were post-menopausal. The prevalence of obesity in post-menopausal women was 37% with 40% being overweight. The majority of women consumed a healthy balanced diet. Only 15% of post-menopausal women exercised for more than 4 hours per week. Two-thirds of women correctly stated that obesity increases their breast cancer risk and 73% of these were overweight or obese. Over 87% were correctly aware of the role of family history, 68% of a high fat diet, and 57% of hormone replacement therapy in the development of breast cancer.ConclusionWomen attending family history clinics lead a high risk lifestyle for the development of breast cancer with high prevalence of obesity and low levels of physical activity. A campaign of patient education is needed to promote healthy lifestyle choices, especially physical activity, in these high-risk women.
Highlights
Obesity and physical activity are modifiable risk factors in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer
The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness of and prevalence of life-style related risk factors, such as obesity, physical activity and high fat diet, in women attending breast cancer family history clinics
Of the 130 women who were approached, 92 returned their questionnaire, not all Knowledge of Risk Factors for the development of Breast Cancer Family history (91%) and smoking (86%) were the strongest risk factors thought to increase the risk of developing breast cancer
Summary
Obesity and physical activity are modifiable risk factors in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease than the general population. Increasing age is a known risk factor and post-menopausal women with a family history of breast cancer are a vulnerable group [1]. Lack of physical activity and obesity are independent risk factors for developing breast cancer and the increased risk of developing post-menopausal (page number not for citation purposes). Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing hormone-receptor positive breast cancer independent of weight reduction [6]. It is imperative to target lifestyle factors in risk reduction for the development of breast cancer in women at high risk of developing breast cancer due to a family history of the disease. Most units specialising in the genetics of breast cancer offer lifestyle advice, but there is no data to show the effectiveness of this prevention strategy
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