Wellness Wednesday

Obesity May Lead to 11 Types of Cancer

Carcinoma of the breast, ovary, kidney, pancreas, colon rectum, and bone marrow may all be related to obesity. 

1.9 million adults worldwide are overweight or obese leading to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, joint disorders and even certain types of cancer. Researchers at the Imperial College of London looked at the results of 204 previously published studies related to the connection between obesity, weight gain, waist circumference and 36 different cancers. Researchers found the biggest link between to be between obesity and carcinoma of the organs relating to the digestive system, hormone related tumors in women, bone marrow, colorectal, and kidneys. A 5 unit uptick in BMI were found to have a 9% increase of chance for colorectal cancer in men and 56% increased chance of a tumorigenesis in the biliary-tract system for both genders.

The study also found that post-menopausal women who have selected not to partake in hormone therapy (which has been independently linked to an increase in breast cancer risk) are at an 11% increased risk for developing breast cancer for every 5lbs of weight gained during this time period. Women are also susceptible to a 21% increased risk of endometrial cancer for every 0.1 unit increase in waist-to-hip ratio. It should be of note in this study, that the research studied were not conducted in a controlled environment. Despite this note, however, it is nonetheless vitally important to keep excess weight off throughout the years of one's life.