Abstract
Our results suggest that the relationship between BMI and breast cancer could be due to a relationship between weight and breast cancer, downgraded by inappropriately adjusting for height; potential importance of anthropometric measures other than total body fat; breast cancer risk associations with BMI and weight are across a continuum.
Highlights
The relationship between body composition and breast cancer risk has been the subject of considerable interest, and obesity is considered to be an established risk factor for breast cancer for post-menopausal women [1]
We considered whether weight is more informative than body mass index = weight/height2 (BMI) when predicting breast cancer risk for post-menopausal women, and if the weight association differs by underlying familial risk
Prevention Relevance: Our results suggest that the relationship between BMI and breast cancer could be due to a relationship between weight and breast cancer, downgraded by inappropriately adjusting for height; potential importance of anthropometric measures other than total body fat; breast cancer risk associations with BMI and weight are across a continuum
Summary
The relationship between body composition and breast cancer risk has been the subject of considerable interest, and obesity is considered to be an established risk factor for breast cancer for post-menopausal women [1]. Many studies have considered body mass index (BMI) = weight/(height) alone, not weight and height as separate entities. Considering BMI alone assumes that height, a risk factor on its own [2, 3], has instead a protective association with breast cancer after adjusting for weight, and of a specific magnitude [3]. In interpreting findings and considering their implications for prevention, it is generally assumed that the breast cancer risk association with BMI is a reflection of total body fat [1] and in particular obesity [4]. Considering BMI alone could be a self-fulfilling prophecy, seeking evidence consistent with a predetermined position
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