Breast cancer linked to bad diet in childhood

Breast cancer is linked to bad diet in childhood | Childhood obesity | Children's health

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One theory is that puberty is brought on by a hormone which is produced by fat tissue.

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Having an unhealthy diet and not doing enough exercise at a young age could give girls an increased risk of breast cancer, a new study says.

What's the story?

New research, carried out by the European Cancer Prevention Organisation found that being overweight at a young age can put girls at higher risk of breast cancer later in life.

This is because being overweight can cause girls to start puberty early, which is linked with breast cancer, as the breast is most vulnerable at the start of development.

Is there other research to back this up?

A recent study in the US has also shown that girls who are overweight at the age of 3 risk starting puberty at the age of 9. The average age to reach puberty has dropped from late teens to early teens in the last 100 years.

What else has the study found?

According to the study, a history of glandular fever could also affect the risk of breast cancer later in life and some chemicals found in plastics could also lead to early puberty. These chemicals can have an affect on when girls start puberty, and are sometimes found in baby bottles and toys.

What do the experts say?

Professor Strasser, head of palliative cancer medicine at Cantonal Hospital, St Gallen, Switzerland, added: 'We know breast cancer is associated with obesity and a lack of physical activity.

'This shows these factors are related to early puberty which is also a risk factor.'

Dr Leslie Walker, director of information for Cancer Research UK, said: '[This study] highlights the importance of ensuring our children don't overeat and get plenty of exercise.'