New research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) and published in The Journal of Internal Medicine reveals that metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality in survivors. The study, led by Dr. Sixten Harborg from Aarhus University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile boosts the likelihood of recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer-related death by 83%.
Metabolic syndrome, defined by the American Heart Association, includes the presence of at least three of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high triglycerides (blood fats), low ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL), high fasting glucose (blood sugar), and abdominal obesity (a waist circumference of more than 35 inches for women).
The study analyzed data from 42,135 breast cancer survivors, combining information from observational studies and randomized controlled trials. The results showed that survivors with metabolic syndrome at the time of diagnosis had a 69% higher risk of recurrence and an 83% higher risk of mortality compared to those without metabolic syndrome. These survivors were also 57% more likely to experience a breast cancer-related event, such as recurrence, a new cancer, or death.
The study’s findings were consistent across different regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia, highlighting the global significance of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer outcomes.
Dr. Harborg and his team concluded that metabolic syndrome is linked to worse survival outcomes for breast cancer survivors. They emphasized the importance of metabolic screening for this group and called for further research to explore how controlling blood fats, managing diabetes, and adopting healthier lifestyles could reduce metabolic syndrome and improve breast cancer survival rates.
While the exact mechanisms connecting metabolic syndrome to poor breast cancer outcomes are unclear, the researchers suggest that factors like chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances may play a role. Specifically, excess body fat can raise estrogen levels, potentially stimulating cancer growth. Additionally, inflammation may promote cancer cell survival and hinder immune responses, facilitating cancer spread.
The authors urge future studies to investigate these biological mechanisms in greater detail, as understanding how metabolic syndrome contributes to breast cancer progression could help improve survival strategies for survivors.
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