Diabetes and Breast Cancer: A Silent Connection You Can’t Ignore
While some research is still needed to determine a truly causal link between diabetes and breast cancer, studies have shown some diabetes-related factors are at play…
- Having diabetes increases the likelihood of breast cancer.
- High blood sugars (hyperglycemia) may lead to tumor cell growth.
- High insulin levels due to insulin resistance are associated with the beginning of cancer formation and cancer cell growth.
- Significant weight gain – more than 55 pounds since age 18 (or 22 pounds after menopause) – can increase the risk of breast cancer, even in women without diabetes.
There is a relationship that having diabetes increases the likelihood of breath cancer.
Please follow all recommendations to maintain your blood sugars controlled and a healthy weight for your age, build, and gender. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation:
- Talk with a doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
- Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
