Women carrying excess body fat face a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer after menopause, new research has revealed. The risk climbs even higher for women who also suffer from heart disease—drawing attention to a worrying but often overlooked health intersection.The study, led by Dr Heinz Freisling of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), analyzed health data from over 168,000 postmenopausal women. Their findings show a clear link between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer risk—especially in those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.The Connection Between Weight and Heart HealthThe analysis found that for every 5kg/m² increase in BMI, the risk of breast cancer went up by 13% in women without heart disease. However, in women with heart disease, the same weight gain increased their risk by 31%.To put this into perspective, researchers estimate that this dual burden of excess weight and heart disease could lead to 153 additional breast cancer cases per 100,000 women every year.BMI is a standard measure used worldwide to evaluate a person’s weight category based on height and weight. While useful, it doesn’t fully capture individual health or fat distribution, making regular check-ups and a broader assessment all the more important.“Excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances, particularly raising oestrogen levels, which are known to fuel breast cancer,” said Dr Freisling. “Our findings could help guide risk-based breast cancer screening programs and support tailored prevention strategies.”Obesity and Recurrence RiskThis is not the first time obesity has been linked to breast cancer. Earlier this year, Danish researchers reported that obese breast cancer survivors were up to 80% more likely to die of the disease. The risk of recurrence was also found to increase by 70% in overweight women.Researchers suspect that what’s known as metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess fat around the waist—could be to blame. It may create chronic inflammation in the body, weakening the immune system’s ability to fight off cancer cells.Breast Cancer: The Most Common Cancer in the UKBreast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the UK, with nearly 56,000 new cases annually. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, with approximately 11,500 women dying from the disease each year.The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50, particularly after menopause. But alarmingly, global data show that breast cancer is increasingly affecting women under 50, a trend that scientists are still trying to understand.Projections suggest that by 2050, breast cancer deaths in the UK could rise by over 40%, with 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths expected globally if current trends continue.Prevention and Early DetectionDespite the sobering statistics, breast cancer is often treatable if caught early. Yet, more than a third of women in the UK still do not regularly check their breasts for signs of change.Symptoms to watch for include:A lump or swelling in the breast or armpitDimpling of the skinChanges in nipple shape or dischargePersistent rash or rednessSudden changes in size or shape of the breastHealth experts and charities such as CoppaFeel continue to urge women to make breast self-checks a monthly routine, as reported by DailyMail. You can do it in the shower, lying down, or while getting dressed—there’s no right or wrong method, as long as you stay familiar with your own body.The National Health Service, UK, also encourages women aged 50 to 70 to attend routine breast cancer screenings every three years. If you notice any persistent or unusual changes, speak to your GP immediately.