According to a study published in the journal Science, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a common byproduct of cholesterol may foster the growth and spread of cancer cells, Fox News reports.

Previous studies have found that being overweight or obese can increase the body’s production of hormones – such as estrogen – known to fuel the spread of some cancers.

The researchers analyzed a group of mice on high fat diets and found that their risks for tumors are 30 percent larger than those in mice eating a normal diet.

Given their findings, the research team concluded that taking statins or switching to a healthier diet may help prevent the spread of breast cancer.