Current Research - Energy Balance

Breast Cancer

Pre-Menopausal Risk

This population-based case-control study included women under the age of 45, with a major emphasis on defining breast cancer risk in relation to the use of oral contraceptives, dietary and physical activity patterns early in life, and alcohol consumption.
The study was conducted in three study areas in the U.S.: Seattle, WA, Atlanta, GA, and five counties of central New Jersey.
Detailed interviews and anthropometric measurements were undertaken.
Current usage of oral contraceptives, particularly of high estrogen/progestin dose pills, was related to risk of early-onset cancers. Alcohol usage was also found to increase risk, particularly for advanced tumors. Obesity was found to be inversely related to breast cancer risk among these younger women.
For more information, see this additional DCEG webpage.

The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study investigated the relations of light and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during four periods of life to post-menopausal breast cancer risk in a cohort of U.S. women.
The life periods evaluated in the study included: ages 15-18, 19-29, 35-39 and recent years (the past 10 years).
Physical activity was assessed by self-report at baseline (1995-1996), and incident breast cancers were identified through December 2003.
A high level of recent, but not historical, physical activity of moderate-to-vigorous intensity was associated with reduced postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
Physical activity was also associated with reduced post-menopausal breast cancer risk in women with estrogen receptor-negative tumors.

A population-based case-control study of breast cancer among Asian-American women has investigated differences in risk by migration history, anthropometry, menstrual and reproductive factors, diet, alcohol, smoking, and endogenous hormones.
Childhood, adolescent, and adult exposures were assessed by interviewing both study participants and their mothers. Blood and urine samples and anthropometric measurements were also collected.
Researchers discovered a six-fold gradient in breast cancer risk by migration history within the study population, suggesting a heterogeneity in breast cancer risk and lifestyle in this migrant population comparable to the international differences in breast cancer incidence.
Increased adult adiposity, weight change, and increased height were all strong predictors of breast cancer risk.

This population-based case-control study enrolled over 5,000 subjects (both cases and control) in two major Polish cities from 2000-2003.
The study combined state-of-the art techniques of exposure assessment and collection of biological specimens to allow for the study of a wide range of biomarkers. Exposure information was obtained through detailed personal interviews and the collection of dust samples from the participants’ homes.
Anthropometric measurements were taken and subjects were asked to wear accelerometers for a weeks' time, enabling evaluation of breast cancer in relation to energy expenditure and body mass.
Analyses are underway to examine the role of energy balance and breast cancer risk.
For more information, see this additional DCEG webpage.

The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study recently identified important relationships with obesity and physical inactivity to male breast cancer risk, suggesting the importance of hormonal and other metabolic factors.
Currently, the NCI Cohort Consortium has research underway to use pooled data from several studies to more fully understand the etiology of male breast cancers. Questionnaire data and biologic samples will be used.
For more information, see this additional DCEG webpage.