[Overweight and risk of breast tumor in Italy]

Direct association between obesity and total mortality, has been already established for some cancers especially in women. Data from a large case-control study (2,569 cases and 2,588 controls) carried out in 1991-94 in six Italian areas, were used to estimate postmenopausal breast cancer risk, according to body mass index (BMI) and age. Risk seemed to increase from the sixth (odds ratio for BMI > or = 30.0 vs. BMI < 21.7 = 1.0) to the eighth decade (odds ratio = 2.7) of life. Percentages of obesity in Italy by age and geographical area are shown (ISTAT data--Household Multipurpose Survey 1990-91). Percentages of obese women were slightly higher in the South with respect to other Italian areas. Percentage attributable risks according to obesity, by geographical area for women aged 65 years or over, were computed. For South Italy and the Islands, this risk was 8.3 whereas it was 6.7 for Italy. Increased physical activity and reduction of total energy intake may be two preventive measures, especially in the South of Italy and the Islands, against diseases related to obesity.