Fat tissue can increase breast cancer risk

Scientists have investigated the link between non-dense fat tissue and breast cancer.

In a study published by journal Breast Cancer Research, researchers from BioMed Central noted that the link between a high proportion of dense breast tissue, normally seen through a mammogram, and a higher risk of breast cancer is well known.

However, it is less clear whether non-dense fat tissue plays a role in breast cancer development.

The new study claims that large areas of either fat or dense, fibroglandular tissue independently increase the risk of the disease.

As part of the investigation, scientists compared the mammograms of postmenopausal women with breast cancer to those without cancer and used advanced software to compare dense and non-dense tissue.

Dr Carla van Gils, from the University Medical Centre Utrecht, who lead the research, explained that fat tissue is known to produce oestrogen which can promote cancer growth.

"However, it seems that it is the local fat tissue which is important to breast cancer risk and not just general body fat (as measured using BMI). Consequently it may be important to consider both types of tissue when assessing breast cancer risk," she added.