title: Adult weight gain and central obesity in women with and without a family history of breast cancer: a case control study.
abstract: Adult weight gain and central obesity can increase breast cancer risk. We determined the prevalence of adult weight gain and central obesity amongst women with a family history (FH) as compared to women with a population risk to determine whether adiposity could contribute to their increased risk. Adult weight gain, waist and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were determined amongst 475 women (aged 20-60 years) attending a regional FH breast cancer risk clinic, compared to 312 age matched women at population risk. Patterns of adult weight gain did not differ between women with and without a FH of breast cancer. The majority of weight gain occurred between the ages of 20 and 40 in both groups. Mean (sd) weight gain for women aged >40 years with a FH was 8.9 (10.3) kg compared to 9.1 (10.6) kg for controls (p = 0.85). Women with a FH had a significantly greater waist and WHR than controls. Mean (sd) waist was 83.7 (13) cm compared to 81.6 (11.3) cm for controls (p < 0.01). Mean (sd) WHR was 0.82 (0.1) compared to 0.80 (0.1) for controls (p < 0.01). FH of breast cancer was an independent predictor of having a WHR of >0.85; odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.42 (1.01-2.01) (p = 0.044). Significant weight gain between the ages of 20 and 40 and the prevalence of central obesity amongst FH women suggest the need for weight management within FH clinics.
authors: Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester M20 2LR, UK. Maria.Parker@christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
authors: Michelle N
authors: MN
authors: Harvie
authors: Saba
authors: S
authors: Bokhari
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Shenton
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Ashcroft
authors: Gareth
authors: G
authors: Evans
authors: Ric
authors: R
authors: Swindell
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Howell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D015430:Weight Gain