Obesity and cancer

The association between obesity, as defined by a body mass index of 30 or higher, and risk of a variety of types of cancer has received a considerable amount of attention in recent years. Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer (among postmenopausal women), endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer and gallbladder cancer. Obesity may also lead to increased cancer-related mortality.

File:Share of cancer deaths attributed to risk factors, OWID.svg

Obesity

In recent years, the relationship between obesity, as defined by a body mass index of 30 or more, and the risk of a number of cancers has garnered much attention. Obesity is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer (in postmenopausal women), endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and gallbladder cancer. Additionally, obesity may increase cancer-related mortality.

Risk of cancer

Obesity is a significant public health concern that has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer. Obesity is characterized as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, and it is connected with an increased risk of colorectal, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers. In this paper, we will examine the association between obesity and cancer, the processes by which obesity raises the risk of cancer, as well as options for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related cancer.

File:How Obesity Could Lead To Cancer.svg

Epidemiological studies

Epidemiological studies have conclusively demonstrated the association between obesity and cancer. These studies indicate that obese individuals have a greater chance of acquiring cancer compared to those with a healthy weight. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, almost 20% of all malignancies diagnosed in the United States are associated with obesity. In addition, research has demonstrated that those with obesity are more likely to die from cancer than those with a healthy weight.

Mechanism

However, various plausible processes have been presented. According to one idea, obesity is linked to persistent inflammation, which can lead to the formation of malignant cells. In addition, obesity is connected with elevated levels of estrogen and insulin, which can further contribute to the development of cancer.

Metabolic illnesses

Obesity is also related with an increased risk of numerous metabolic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, all of which are recognized cancer risk factors. In addition, individuals with obesity have a higher chance of acquiring cancer since they are more likely to have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity is essential for the prevention of cancer caused by obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars may minimize the chance of developing cancer. In addition, it has been demonstrated that regular physical activity reduces the risk of numerous types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancer.

Management

Individuals with obesity and cancer should obtain quick and appropriate hospital care for management purposes. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, as well as medicines and other steps to avoid secondary infections.

Obesity management

In addition, obese persons should be referred to specialized obesity management programs in order to treat their weight and enhance their general health. These programs may involve diet and exercise coaching, as well as pharmacological and/or surgical treatments for weight loss.

Summary

Obesity is a significant public health concern since it is related with an increased risk of developing multiple types of cancer. However, various plausible processes have been presented. Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity is essential for the prevention of cancer caused by obesity. Individuals with obesity and cancer should receive quick and appropriate hospital care and be directed to specialized obesity management programs to reduce their weight and improve their general health.

References

1. World Cancer Research Fund International. (2019). Cancer and obesity. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-tobacco-alcohol/obesity-and-cancer
2. American Cancer Society. (2019). Obesity and cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/healthy/eat-healthy-get-active/acs-guidelines-nutrition-physical-activity-cancer-prevention/obesity-and-cancer.html
3. World Health Organization. (2020). Obesity and cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/risk/obesity/en/
4. National Cancer Institute. (2019). Obesity and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity
5. American Institute for Cancer Research. (2019). Obesity and cancer. Retrieved from https://www.aicr.org/risk/obesity-and-cancer/
6. Cancer Research UK. (2019). Obesity and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/risk/obesity

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