New study links early menopause with higher rates of breast cancer

(Korin Miller/ Women’s Health) — Breast cancer impacts one in eight women in their lifetime, making it the second-most common cancer in women in the United States. But while there are some lifestyle modifications you can make to lower your risk of developing the disease, there are certain factors outside of your control, including genetics. Now, new research finds another factor to consider when calculating your breast cancer risk: when you go through menopause.

The study, which was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on July 12, specifically linked primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)—a condition that causes women to go through menopause early—with a higher rate of breast cancer.

Here’s exactly what the study found, plus what women should take away from it.

The study analyzed medical records from 613 women with primary ovarian insufficiency and 165 women with early menopause seen in two major health systems in Utah. The scientists then cross-referenced them with the Utah Cancer Registry.

The researchers found that women who went through early menopause were nearly twice as likely as the general population to develop breast cancer. As a result, they concluded that screening tools are needed to predict cancer risk in women with primary ovarian insufficiency. (…)