Obese adolescents and the risk of breast cancer

According to a recent review, adolescent girls and in high risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer, the second most common cause of cancer death in women, is strongly associated with obesity; this relationship is particularly true in postmenopausal breast cancer. There are many factors that many explain the relationship between adiposity and breast cancer. Obesity is related to elevated levels of insulin and leptin, and lower levels of adiponectin. Hyperinsulinemia may impact and affect tumorigenesis. Peripheral aromatization of androgens in adipose tissue is enhanced by leptin, leading to greater estrogen levels.Adipocytokines may participate as cancer promoters and regulators, and participate in regulation of sex steroids by interleukins 4 and 6 (Il-4, Il-6). Increased serum levels of leptin and resistin, and decreased levels of adiponectin, were related to tumor metastasis.

From: In-Iw and Biro. Adolescent Women and Obesity. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology