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    IGF-I may reveal link between weight and breast cancer

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    10 Connects - Tampa, FL

    Everyone has it, a hormone called insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-I). But those with higher blood levels are 28 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

    That's according to a new review by Cancer Research UK of 17 studies involving nearly 5,000 breast cancer patients published in Lancet Oncology.
    "In this study, we find out that post-menopausal women will have increased insulin-like growth factor one are at higher risk for breast cancer and that is very significant," Dr. Roohi Ismail-Khan with Moffit Cancer Center said. "There was also a trend for pre-menopausal women but not as strong as in post menopausal group."

    Dr. Ismail-Khan said people who are moderately obese or overweight are also at higher risk for breast cancer, because they have more estrogen in their bodies.

    Some additional risk factors include having your period at an early age, having your first child later in life, and using hormone replacement therapy.She hopes this research leads to better tests.

    "In the future, maybe in a high risk population, patients who have a positive strong family history, and that was indicated in the study, maybe this could be yet one additional test to think about to help drive decision making," Dr. Ismail-Khan said.

    She adds the best way to lower levels of IGF-I is to watch your weight, exercise and eat healthy. Dr. Ismail-Khan points out drinking milk that contains added hormones has also been linked to higher levels of IGF-I as well as taking oral contraceptives.

    For more on the study, click here.