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Improving Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors pp 177–192Cite as

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer Outcomes: Current Controversies and Research Recommendations

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Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((BCRF,volume 862))

Abstract

Lifestyle factors, particularly obesity, have been associated with poor breast cancer outcomes in a large number of observational studies. Despite a growing body of research, controversy exists regarding obesity associations across breast cancer subtypes and the importance of obesity versus physical activity and dietary composition in determining breast cancer outcome. These controversies are reviewed and the complex biologic nature of the association of obesity with breast cancer addressed. Potential mediators, including insulin, estrogens, adipokines and inflammation markers are identified. Relevant prognostic findings of previous research involving dietary, physical activity and weight loss interventions are summarized. A broad-based program of research is outlined, highlighting the need for a randomized trial of weight loss that is adequately powered to examine survival effects, as well as correlative and preclinical research to investigate mediators and mechanisms of obesity effects on breast cancer outcomes. Finally, potential contributions of alcohol intake and tobacco use in breast cancer survivors are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 1284-600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada

    Pamela J. Goodwin M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.P.C.

  2. Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm St, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA

    Christine B. Ambrosone Ph.D. & Chi-Chen Hong Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Pamela J. Goodwin M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.P.C.
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  2. Christine B. Ambrosone Ph.D.
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  3. Chi-Chen Hong Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pamela J. Goodwin M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.P.C. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Distinguished Professor of Health Policy & Management and Medicine, Director, Cancer Prevention & Control Research, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Patricia A. Ganz

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© 2015 Breast Cancer Research Foundation

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Goodwin, P.J., Ambrosone, C.B., Hong, CC. (2015). Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer Outcomes: Current Controversies and Research Recommendations. In: Ganz, P. (eds) Improving Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology(), vol 862. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16366-6_12

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