Studies show a link between BMI and breast cancer risk. However, the way it’s linked to breast cancer risk differs before and after menopause.
• Before menopause, women who are overweight or obese have a modestly decreased risk of breast cancer.
• After menopause, women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Women who are overweight or obese before menopause have a 10%-20% lower risk of breast cancer than those who are lean.
Although being overweight or obese is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer before menopause, weight gain should be avoided. This is because any weight gained before menopause may be carried into the postmenopausal years, and most breast cancers occur after menopause. After menopause, being overweight is linked to increased breast cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society recommends everyone get to and maintain a healthy weight throughout life and encourages all women to maintain some degree of physical activity.

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