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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports that increasing weight and body mass index (BMI) are associated with a higher risk of at least 13 types of cancer. Scientists have also claimed that obesity is associated with cancers of the digestive tract in both men and women, as well as cancers of hormone-sensitive organs such as the breast and uterus in women. More information is given on this, Dr. Aparna Govil Bhaskar, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Saifi, Namaha, Apollo Spectra and Cure Specialty Hospitals by (Photo courtesy – Freepik.com)
What exactly is obesity?
Obesity is a disease and some people can gain weight despite diet and exercise. Obesity enters the human body through multiple genetic, epigenetic and neuro-hormonal pathways. If a person is already suffering from obesity then treatment should be done according to its severity.
Treatment options for grade 1 and 2 obesity include drug therapy, endoscopic therapy such as intra-gastric balloon insertion or endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Bariatric surgery may be considered in severe cases. Studies conducted by experts have shown that obesity patients who undergo bariatric surgery significantly reduce their risk of cancer.
Cancers caused by obesity are as follows
- Endometrial cancer of the uterus
- Postmenopausal breast cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Esophageal cancer (cancer of the esophagus)
- Gastric/stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer (large bowel cancer)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gall bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Meningioma
- Multiple myeloma
- Thyroid cancer
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The relationship between obesity and cancer
Experts have provided evidence that cancer and obesity are related. Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and weight gain play an important role in the development of cancer and should not be ignored when planning future prevention strategies.
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Causes weight gain
Increased weight and BMI increase the insulin resistance associated with obesity, also increasing the risk of other metabolic problems such as diabetes and heart disease. It increases the secretion of sex hormones which increases the problem of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
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Due to accumulation of fatty tissue
Accumulation of fatty tissue in organs such as the heart, liver, muscles and pancreas is also a concern as it interferes with their normal functions and can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
How to prevent obesity and cancer?
Given the relationship between obesity and cancer, it can be inferred that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in reducing the risk of developing certain cancers.
- Increasing physical activity can help prevent weight gain
- Studies conducted by experts have shown that people who lose weight over a period of time have a significant reduction in the risk of cancer
- It is important to avoid junk food, smoked food, fried food, and high sugar content
- Make sure that the amount of fiber in the diet is sufficient. Focus on a balanced diet
- Moderate physical activity for 40 to 45 minutes at least 5 days of each week is essential
Consider the options available
The prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world and that includes developing countries like ours. This is also leading to a huge increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases including cancer. It is important to actively work on the aspect of preventing weight gain which is beneficial in preventing many other diseases including cancer.
At the same time, it is also important to understand that obesity is not always preventable and those who are already living with this condition need to be helped by available treatment options.
Can cancer be cured?
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