11 types of cancer caused by overweight and obesity

New research finds evidence of a link between body fat and 11 cancers.

» Priest Nguyen Dinh Thuc incited parishioners

After reviewing more than 200 studies on the link between obesity and cancer, researchers found that being overweight or obese is likely to increase the risk of cancer.

Meanwhile, statistics from leading charities show that almost three-quarters of people are expected to be overweight by 2035, with 700,000 cases of obesity-related cancer expected over the next 20 years.

With this new discovery, the international research team has warned of strong evidence of a link between obesity and 11 types of cancer: colon, rectum, endometrium, breast, ovarian, kidney, pancreatic, stomach, biliary system, esophagus and bone marrow.

Avoiding being overweight not only reduces your risk of diabetes and heart disease, but also reduces your risk of many types of cancer.

Marc Gunter, co-author of the study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, said: “The public and especially doctors should not take obesity lightly. Avoiding excess weight not only reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease but also reduces the risk of many types of cancer.

Further analysis from studies shows that increased body mass index (BMI) (weight divided by height squared) is associated with the development of certain types of cancer.

For men, for every 5 kg increase in height squared (5 kg/m2), the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases by 9%. For women practicing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer increases by 11%.

We all know that being overweight disrupts your metabolism and hormones. Excess fat can increase estrogen levels, insulin levels, and inflammation. These are all effects related to cell division.

Exercise helps you stay healthy and reduces your risk of cancer.

Professor Paul Aveyard (University of Oxford), agrees that the study highlights the need for the public to take steps to reverse the rise in obesity. “It’s another reason for people to be concerned about whether they are overweight,” he says. “The risk is not just limited to those who are overweight, but to all of us who have excess fat. So we are at risk.”

Therefore, Dr. Rachel Orritt, of Cancer Research UK, said: "Like smoking, being overweight can be prevented. Even if you just do light exercise, walk more, eat less sugar, those small changes will help you stay healthy and reduce the risk of cancer."

According to Zing