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Does early physical maturity influence breast cancer risk?
B A Stoll1, L J Vatten, S Kvinnsland
1Department of Oncology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Early puberty and abdominal obesity in girls are linked to increased breast cancer risk. These factors contribute to prolonged exposure to abnormal hormones and insulin, potentially promoting early mammary carcinogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Early menarche and tall stature are established breast cancer risk factors.
- Abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and abnormal sex steroid profiles are emerging risk markers.
- Abdominal obesity in girls may precede puberty and correlate with earlier menarche and metabolic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between pre-pubertal abdominal obesity and early puberty.
- To investigate the role of metabolic and endocrine factors in early-onset breast cancer risk.
- To understand how early puberty and obesity influence mammary carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of case-control studies and existing evidence.
- Analysis of correlations between obesity, menarche timing, and hormonal profiles.
- Postulation of metabolic/endocrine pathways in early carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- Abdominal obesity is identifiable before puberty in girls.
- This obesity correlates with earlier menarche, insulin resistance, and altered sex hormone levels.
- Early puberty may lead to prolonged exposure to adverse hormonal and insulin environments.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic and endocrine changes associated with abdominal obesity in girls may increase breast cancer risk at a young age.
- Genetic predisposition might interact with these factors.
- Early identification and management of these risk factors in girls are crucial.