Breast cancer: Dr Chris on 'breakthrough' Enhertu drug
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The TV presenter and star of Location, Location, Location suffered a great loss which prompted her to re-evaluate her own health. Studies have shown being overweight increases a woman’s susceptibility to a certain disease costing around 11,500 women’s lives a year in the UK.
Kirstie had lost her mother to the deadly disease when she was aged only 66.
The shocking loss prompted Kirstie to take control of her life and gave her the push to slim down.
Kirstie spoke to The Daily Mail and said: “Being overweight on your 50th birthday is the number one risk factor for breast cancer, which my mother got when she was 41; she died in 2014 when she was 66.
“I put on two stone between 40 and 44 and decided that I was being irresponsible as a parent and a partner, and it had to go.”
Having more fat tissue can increase a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer by raising oestrogen levels.
It’s been found that women who are overweight tend to have higher levels of insulin, another type of hormone.
Higher insulin levels have also been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.
However, the connection between weight and breast cancer risk is complicated.
“Studies suggest the risk appears to be increased for women who gained weight as an adult but may not be increased among those who have been overweight since childhood,” said the American Cancer Society.
The health charity added: “Also, having extra fat in the waist area may raise risk more than having extra fat in the hips and thighs.”
Kirstie sought the advice of celebrity nutritionist Amelia Freer who helped Kirstie to clean up her diet.
“I stopped eating bread and potatoes and I don’t drink wine,” Kirstie admitted.
“I eat three meals a day – I do not leave the house without having breakfast.”
Early symptoms of breast cancer can include:
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- A discharge of fluid from either of the nipples
- A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.
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