GENETIC predisposition to excess body weight is associated with a 15% higher risk of all-cause mortality among breast cancer survivors, according to long term cohort data. Findings from 4,177 women with nonmetastatic breast cancer indicate that inherited susceptibility to higher body mass index may adversely affect survival outcomes.
Genetic Predisposition and Mortality Risk
This cohort study included postmenopausal women diagnosed with a first primary nonmetastatic breast cancer between 1992–2017. All participants had genetically determined European ancestry and were part of a large prospective nutrition cohort across 21 United States states.
Investigators calculated a polygenic score for body mass index using 941 single nucleotide variants identified in genome wide association data from…