Lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk in normal weight women

Reducing Breast Cancer Risk Through Modifying Body Composition and Decreasing Inflammation in Normal Weight Women

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04267796

This study is testing whether a diet and exercise program can help normal weight postmenopausal women with high body fat lower their risk of breast cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 69 Years
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04267796 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention aimed at reducing breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women who are of normal weight but have high body fat. Participants will be randomized into two groups, one receiving a structured diet and exercise program over 16 weeks, while the other serves as a control. The study will assess changes in body composition, inflammation markers, and overall health-related quality of life. The goal is to determine if these lifestyle changes can effectively lower breast cancer risk.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 50-69 with a normal BMI but elevated trunk fat mass.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of invasive cancer or significant health issues that contraindicate exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in at-risk women through lifestyle modifications.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in lifestyle interventions for cancer risk reduction, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 50-69 years old
* Postmenopausal woman (absence of menstruation for at least one year, or history of bilateral oophorectomy)
* Self-reported height and weight indicating a BMI \>= 18.5 and \< 25 kg/m\^2
* No contraindications to exercise (either no positive responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, or clearance from a health care provider certifying that the participant is healthy enough to exercise)
* No history of invasive cancer, other than non-melanoma skin cancer
* No history of renal disease
* Able to walk without an assistive device
* Not within 3 months of major surgery
* Able to speak/read/write in English
* Has internet access on a computer or mobile device
* A trunk fat mass \>= 9.4 kg as indicated by a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan
* Height and weight indicating a BMI of \>= 18.5 and \< 25 kg/m\^2 verified at the screening visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* MD Anderson employees that report to the principal investigator of this study
* Participants that cannot engage in the exercise program for more than three weeks during the study period
* Participants that are currently doing strength exercises that work all major muscle groups (defined as: participants who complete more than 16 repetitions per exercise in their current resistance training regimen, or who don't find their last 1-2 reps to be difficult in their current regimen, or who increase the weight in their current routine).

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.