Hawna is 65 years old, obese, and experiencing postmenopausal symptoms. her relative risk of breast cancer is percent higher than caitlin who is also 65 years old and within normal body weight.

Women who are overweight or obese following menopause have a 30-60% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those within normal body weight. This is because the ovaries produce little estrogen following menopause and estrogens come mainly from fat tissue. Therefore, obese or overweight women have higher blood circulating levels of estrogen. This increases their risk of breast cancer.