Cancer Risk May be Increased due to Obesity

There is an increased risk of developing 10 most common cancers in people who are obese or overweight, as per a new research from LSHTM or London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Health warnings were being given for many years by global obesity pandemic and as per the figures from Global Burden of Disease Study, it has been shown that around 57% of women and 67% of men in United Kingdom are either obese or overweight, thus making UK the most obese country in the whole of Western Europe.

Scientists at LSHTM set out for investigation of relationship between Body Mass Index and 22 most common-site specific cancers. In this study, there were 5.24 million individuals, whose health was monitored over a 7 year period. As per the results, it was shown that there was a link of BMI to 17 out of 22 cancers. There was an increase in the risk for developing cancer, for every 2 ½ stone of extra weight that an average adult gained.

The common cancers that have a link to high levels of BMI include postmenopausal breast caner, ovaries, liver and colon cancer. It was also stated that if the BMI is high, the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer in women is decreased.

Dr. Krishnan Bhaskaran of LSHTM said that, the effect of BMI on different cancer varies. For instance, there is a substantial increase in the risk of cancer of uterus with a higher BMI, but on the other hand, for other cancer, a modest increase in risk or no effect at all was seen. With this variation it is assumed that the cancer risk is affected by BMI through different processes, on the basis of cancer type.

Following this study, it is predicted by the researchers that if there is a constant increase in obesity levels, then 3,500 more cases can be seen each year by mid 2020.

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Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.