Breast cancer risk and the interaction between adolescent body size and weight gain in later life: A case-control study

Functional roles of GDF15 in modulating microenvironment to promote carcinogenesis

Obesity and related metabolic dysregulation are risk factors for many types of cancer. The interactions between a developing tumor and its microenvironment are known to implicate a complex "crosstalk" among the factors produced by the population of cells. Among these factors, Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has a functional role in cancer. GDF15 expression is induced in response to the conditions associated with cellular stress and diseases. The GDF15 receptor, a member of the glial-cell-derived neurotropic factor family (GDNF), is a GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL) protein. GDF15 induces pro-angiogenic effects in tumors. However, GDF15 could affect tumorigenesis both positively and negatively. With a better understanding of the upstream disease pathways reflected by GDF15, new treatment targets may emerge.

Obesity and the Effects of Weight Reduction: A Spotlight on Women with Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer and Heart Disease

Obesity is a common overlapping risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the long-term consequences of these chronic, interconnected diseases are severe. The importance of CVD in breast cancer (BC) patients and survivors has been well-established, and the potential impact of some BC treatments (such as cardiotoxic effects related to chemotherapy or targeted therapy with the use of doxorubicin or trastuzumab, and radiation therapy, especially in cases of left breast tumours) on the cardiovascular condition necessitates ongoing cardiological surveillance. In addition, the possible reduction of some underlying risk factors is critical to long-term protection of BC patients and survivors. The concept of obesity dynamically interacting with both BC and CVD is important because it is a modifiable risk factor, and the modern management of obesity deserves emphasis. In particular, for many BC patients and survivors, an effective weight reduction programme integrated with standard anticancer and cardiology therapies can improve patient outcomes. This review presents the complex relationships between overweight, obesity, CVD, and BC risk and highlights outcomes in post and premenopausal women, focussing on patients with hormone receptor-positive BC. The review provides evidence from epidemiologic, observational, and weight loss intervention trials which have examined the effects of weight reduction programmes on BC outcomes. Such studies have indicated that moderate weight loss, with regular physical exercises or stress reduction, can significantly improve BC outcomes. Future lifestyle intervention trials could support the incorporation of weight loss interventions as an integral element of comprehensive management for BC patients and survivors.

Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer: Where These Entities Intersect: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet many people perceive breast cancer to be the number one threat to women's health. CVD and breast cancer have several overlapping risk factors, such as obesity and smoking. Additionally, current breast cancer treatments can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health (eg, left ventricular dysfunction, accelerated CVD), and for women with pre-existing CVD, this might influence cancer treatment decisions by both the patient and the provider. Improvements in early detection and treatment of breast cancer have led to an increasing number of breast cancer survivors who are at risk of long-term cardiac complications from cancer treatments. For older women, CVD poses a greater mortality threat than breast cancer itself. This is the first scientific statement from the American Heart Association on CVD and breast cancer. This document will provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of these diseases, shared risk factors, the cardiotoxic effects of therapy, and the prevention and treatment of CVD in breast cancer patients.