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Exercise may decrease women’s risk for breast cancer
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CHICAGO — Regular exercise, particularly during adolescence, may reduce risk for breast cancer in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers, according to preliminary data presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting.
“Mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene confer a high lifetime risk for breast cancer. Penetrance varies among populations and individuals, suggesting that nongenetic factors may modify the inherited risk [for breast cancer],” Marina Pollan, MD, PhD, cancer epidemiologist at the National Center of Epidemiology in Madrid, and colleagues wrote in the abstract. “Knowledge of modifiable factors will help to develop preventive strategies,”
Asuncin Torres — who conducted this research as part of her PhD thesis — was scheduled to present the findings; however, according to a slide posted by ASCO, Torres recently passed away. The society held a moment of silence in lieu of the presentation.
According to the abstract, the researchers collected information on physical activity and smoking from 892 women with BRCA1/BRCA2 germline mutations from 279 families followed at three Spanish Genetic Counseling Units. The aim of the study was to determine associations between breast cancer, lifestyle factors and dietary patterns.
Of these women, 582 had breast cancer and 45.62% had BRCA2 mutations.
Physically active women appeared to have lower risk for breast cancer than inactive women.
Specifically, breast cancer likelihood appeared lower among women who reported daily physical activity currently (OR = 0.53; P = .043) and during their adolescence (OR = 0.4; P = .007).
The researchers did not observe differences for this observation between BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers.
Breast cancer likelihood further reduced among women who exercised daily currently and in their adolescence (OR = 0.22; P < .001).
In addition, physical activity in adolescence decreased patients’ risk for all tumor types. Also, researchers noted the effect of physical activity appeared pronounced among premenopausal women (P < .05).
However, alcohol intake, smoking habits and type of diet did not modify the risk for breast cancer in women with the BRCA gene.
“Our preliminary data suggest a clear reduction in breast cancer risk among BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers who exercise regularly, mainly during the adolescence, and could be considered as potential modifiable factor for breast cancer prevention in these group of women.” – by Kristie L. Kahl
Reference:
Pollan M, et al. Abstract 1505. Presented at: ASCO Annual Meeting; June 2-6, 2017; Chicago.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.