Can your breast size predict your risk of breast cancer? Here’s the answer

A sedentary lifestyle clubbed with increasing levels of pollution has contributed to an increased risk of various diseases. From obesity and diabetes to terminal illnesses such as cancer, one simply can’t deny the increased instances of these life-threatening ailments.

When we talk about cancer, women with large breasts often worry that their breast size can result in an increased risk of breast cancer. Scientists have pointed out various factors such as genes, asymmetry, personal health history and the density of your breast that help in determining the risk of breast cancer. But, is a woman’s breast size a factor which can help determine cancer risk?

How does breast size determine the risk of breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a complex disease which is linked to various factors such as your age, weight and hormonal levels. A study published in the journal BioMed Central Medical Genetics examined about 16,000 women and found that breast size can be of help when determining breast cancer risk.

The researchers surveyed multiple women about their breast size and identified a genome, a genetic material, that was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The lead author, Nicholas Eriksson says, “The genetic variations have an effect on both breast cancer and natural variation in breast size. Larger breast size is associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.”

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Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer noted that a slender woman who wore a cup D had almost twice the risk of developing breast cancer than a slender woman with a bra cup size A. However, the research did not look into other underlying factors such as genes. 

What can be concluded?
Though there are studies around breast size and breast cancer, none can establish a direct consequential link. However, there is an overlap between genetic factors that can lead to larger breast size and breast cancer. 

So, don’t be so worried about your breast size and don’t let anyone make you believe that having naturally large breasts can put you at risk of a terminal illness like cancer. If gaining weight has caused an increase in your breast size, we say you commit yourself to a healthy diet and exercise to avoid health risks associated with obesity.