The introduction is also posted on Spotify as a podcast by “Gerry at The Health Equation”
You can search Spotify for “Gerry at The Health Equation”
Or use the link below
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gerrygaj
Below is the specific link
Gerry Gajadharsingh writes:
With the risk of developing breast cancer with HRT estimated to be an extra 8 to 10 cases per 1,000 patients, it’s important to know that factors such as Obesity and Alcohol intake increases breast cancer risk slightly more, through several interconnected mechanisms, including, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormone disruption, DNA damage, and oxidative stress.
Obesity
Increased Oestrogen Levels
In postmenopausal women, fat tissue becomes the primary source of Oestrogen
Adipose (fat) tissue contains aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens (e.g., testosterone) into Oestrogen.
Higher Oestrogen levels promote (ER+) breast cancer cells (Oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells.
Increased Insulin and IGF-1 Signalling
Obesity is linked to insulin resistance, leading to higher insulin levels.
Elevated insulin reduces levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which increases the availability of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
IGF-1 is a potent growth factor that stimulates cell division and inhibits apoptosis (cell death), promoting tumour growth.
Chronic Inflammation
Excess fat tissue, especially visceral fat, releases pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin).
These cytokines create a pro-inflammatory environment that promotes genetic mutations, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels for tumours), and cancer progression.
Obese individuals often have increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR, inflammation markers, linked to cancer development.
Altered Adipokine Secretion
Obesity is associated with high leptin (which stimulates breast cancer cell growth) and low adiponectin (which normally inhibits tumour growth).
Epigenetic and Immune System Effects
Obesity can induce epigenetic changes, altering gene expression in ways that increase cancer susceptibility.
The immune system is also affected—natural killer (NK) cells and T cells become less effective at recognizing and destroying cancer cells.
Increased Progesterone Levels (in Some Cases)
In postmenopausal women, obesity can also increase progesterone levels, which may contribute to higher breast cancer risk, especially for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumours.
Conclusion
The combined effects of excess Oestrogen, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, altered adipokine levels, immune dysfunction, and metabolic changes create an environment that promotes breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Alcohol
Alcohol increases breast cancer risk through multiple mechanisms, including hormone disruption, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Here’s how:
Increased Oestrogen Levels
Alcohol increases Oestrogen production by stimulating aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens into oestrogen.
It also reduces the liver’s ability to break down Oestrogen, leading to higher circulating Oestrogen levels.
Elevated Oestrogen stimulates the growth of oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells.
DNA Damage and Mutagenesis
Alcohol is metabolized in the liver into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound and a known carcinogen.
Acetaldehyde binds to DNA and proteins, causing genetic mutations that increase the risk of cancer development.
Alcohol also interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, making it easier for mutations to accumulate.
- Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals
Alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins.
Increased oxidative stress can lead to cellular mutations and uncontrolled cell growth, driving cancer progression.
Altered Folate Metabolism
Alcohol consumption reduces the absorption and availability of folate, a key vitamin for DNA synthesis and repair.
Folate deficiency can lead to DNA strand breaks and chromosomal instability, increasing the likelihood of mutations that drive cancer development.
Increased Insulin and IGF-1 Levels
Alcohol consumption can contribute to insulin resistance, leading to higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
IGF-1 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis (cell death), encouraging tumour growth.
Immune System Suppression
Chronic alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to detect and eliminate cancerous cells.
Synergy with Other Risk Factors
Alcohol enhances the harmful effects of tobacco, poor diet, and obesity, amplifying breast cancer risk.
It also makes breast tissue more sensitive to carcinogens, increasing susceptibility to environmental toxins.
Conclusion
The combined effects of hormonal disruption, DNA damage, oxidative stress, immune suppression, and metabolic changes create a biological environment that increases breast cancer risk.