Lonnie McNair: Study Reveals How Breast Cancer Affects Overweight Women Differently
Online, September 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - According to a recent article from CBS News, a new study has found that obese women who are diagnosed with breast cancer face higher risks of cancer regrowth and death than physically fit breast cancer patients. Author of the study-published in Cancer, the American Cancer Society's journal-Dr. Joseph Sparano explains, "We found that obesity at diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with about a 30 percent higher risk of recurrence and a nearly 50 percent higher risk of death despite optimal treatment." As a breast cancer research advocate, US Army veteran, Lonnie McNair notes that the research should motivate all Americans to follow healthier lifestyles.
CBS notes that the comprehensive study included data collected from three previous studies "sponsored by the National Cancer Institute that involved nearly 7,000 women." Analyzing the participants' body mass indexes (BMI), researchers were able to conclude that "BMI increases significantly increase a women's risk of her breast cancer coming back. These women also were more likely to die of breast cancer than their thinner counterparts in the study." In addition, the article notes that although the subjects' stages of breast cancer varied from stage one to three, they were all "otherwise healthy with normal heart, kidney, liver and bone marrow function."
As a supporter of the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Lonnie McNair has tracked the progression of cancer research, and believes this latest study is a step in the right direction to help individuals optimize health. McNair states, "This study is another reason why we, as Americans, must change our eating habits and embark upon a physical fitness program in order to embrace a healthier lifestyle. As with so many ailments, being overweight and obese are great contributors preventing many from enjoying healthy lifestyles. In this particular study, it is suggested that obesity is a contributor in the reoccurrence of breast cancer. Not just women, but hopefully men as well will gradually change their eating habits and make exercise part of their daily routine in order to help minimize the reoccurrence of diseases such as breast cancer, as well as to prevent the occurrence of other harmful diseases."
In addition to encouraging Americans to eat healthy and exercise often, Lonnie McNair hopes that individuals will continue to push for the fight against breast cancer. He notes that cancer research and awareness is essential to making discoveries, such as those provided by the new study, in order to help provide better treatment options to cancer patients.
ABOUT:
Lonnie McNair dedicated over 20 years of service to the United States Army. Highly regarded as a leader, manager, and operations professional, Lonnie McNair has earned many awards for his work. Additionally, Lonnie McNair supports numerous philanthropic organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.