Hormonal Imbalance Has Major Impact on Organs, Expert Says

Excess Weight Raises Breast Cancer Risk by Up to 40%, Study Finds

Olga Yakovenko, a medical candidate of sciences and an oncologist-mammologist in St. Petersburg, has explained how excess weight increases the risk of breast cancer. According to her, being overweight may raise the likelihood of developing the disease by 20–40%.

In an interview with Lenta.ru, the doctor noted that the link between obesity and breast cancer is driven by several factors. A key issue is hormonal imbalance: fatty tissue acts as an active endocrine organ, producing hormones—particularly estrogens—that can stimulate cell division in breast tissue.

The specialist added that excess weight often disrupts carbohydrate metabolism and elevates insulin levels. Excess insulin and related growth factors can accelerate cell division, creating favorable conditions for tumor growth.

Earlier, surgeon Alexander Umnov explained why medications should not be taken with tea or soda, warning that these drinks can alter a drug's properties.