Effect of family history, body-fat distribution, and reproductive factors on the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer

Article Abstract:

The risk of breast cancer associated with higher waist-to-hip ratio, fewer live-born children or older age at first pregnancy may be higher among post-menopausal women who have a family history of breast cancer than those who do not. Of 37,105 55- to 69-year-old women, 493 were diagnosed with breast cancer over a four-year period. Eighty-three patients had a family history of breast cancer, 386 did not have a family history of breast cancer and 24 did not provide this information. Higher waist-to-hip ratio (circumference of the waist divided by circumference of the hip) was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mainly in women with a family history. Association between fewer live-born children and older age at first pregnancy and breast cancer also occurred mainly in women with a family history of cancer. There may be two types of breast cancer: one that is inherited and another that develops spontaneously. Weight, fat distribution, body mass and breast cancer may share a related genetic component.

Diseases, Breast cancer, Adipose tissues, Adipose tissue, Aged women, Elderly women, Reproduction (Biology), Reproduction

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Diet and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in older women

Article Abstract:

The consumption of red meat and animal fat may increase elderly women's risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Researchers surveyed 41,837 women participating in the Iowa Women's Health Study who were between 55 and 69 when the study began in 1985. The women responded to questionnaires in 1987, 1989 and 1992. Over the 7-year follow-up period, 104 women developed NHL. Women who ate the most animal protein had a 50% greater risk of developing NHL compared to those who ate the least. High intake of animal fat conferred almost twice the risk of developing NHL, as did hamburger consumption. Of all the red meats, only hamburger was strongly associated with NHL. Saturated and monounsaturated fats were associated with NHL but polyunsaturated fats were not. Vegetable protein and fats were not associated with NHL, nor were carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin E. There appeared to be no association between NHL and milk or other dairy products.

Meat, Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, Diet

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Body fat distribution and 5-year risk of death in older women

Article Abstract:

Middle-aged and elderly women who have extensive abdominal fat may have a greater risk of death than those who do not. A questionnaire sent to 41,837 women between the ages of 55 and 69 asked them to give their height, weight, waist and hip measurements, and also solicited general health information. Their body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) - a measure of abdominal fat - were calculated from these data. They were then followed for approximately five years, at which time 1,504 had died. There was a J-shaped relationship between mortality and BMI; that is, death rates were highest in those with the lowest and highest BMI. However, the relationship between mortality and WHR was linear. Mortality rates were lowest in those with the lowest WHRs (the least abdominal fat) and highest in those with the highest WHRs (the most abdominal fat). WHR may be a better measure of obesity, with all of its associated health risks, than BMI.

Mortality, Body composition

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