Breast cancer and metabolism

Metabolic disorders are known to affect the risk for breast cancer. Obesity affects the risk and prognosis of different kinds of cancers, including breast cancer. Metabolic changes, such as increased estrogen biosynthesis, elevated serum free fatty acids (FFA), or hyperinsulinemia, associated with the metabolic syndrome are considered to be responsible for the effects of obesity on breast cancer. Furthermore, white adipose tissue secretes a wide range of biologically active peptides, including adiponectin, leptin, TNF alpha and IL-6. These adipocytokines have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of breast cancer. The focus of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on metabolic disorders as risk factors for breast cancer.