A new study suggests women whose waist size increases with age have a greater risk of developing breast cancer.
We already knew that excess body fat increases the chance of developing breast cancer, but this study found that where that fat is located may make a difference.
Researchers say this may be because extra stomach fat can boost levels of estrogen, a hormone the breast cancer cells rely on for fuel.
Researchers from University College London found that women between 20 and 60 had a one third greater chance of developing breast cancer after menopause if they went up a skirt size every 10 years.
To come to these results, researchers questioned over 90,000 women over 50 about their current and past skirt sizes.
Researchers hope these findings will encourage women to take steps to cut down on belly fat in order to decrease their risk of developing breast cancer.
Find out more with this Newsy video.
