Dr Bollmann, Skin Care Specialist, Anti-Aging Expert

Going up a skirt size in middle-age can significantly increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, according to new research.

An increase in skirt size emerged as the strongest predictor of breast cancer risk after menopause. Going up 1 skirt size every 10-years was associated with a 33% greater risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause; while going up 2 skirt sizes in the same period was associated with a 77% greater risk.

Results also showed that going down a skirt size was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. The association of skirt size with breast cancer risk was independent of BMI.

The researchers concluded: "Although the exact mechanism of these relationships need to be better understood, there is a suggestion that body fat around the waist is more metabolically active than adipose tissue elsewhere."

Keeping weight in check after menopause is important in reducing breast cancer risk.