Obesity is a severe problem since it affects 1.9 billion people globally. They have associated it with severe diseases such as diseases of the heart and diabetes. Strikingly, this position because of obesity brings about the probability of cancer. There are different ways with the body gets diseases such as cancer and how to fight diseases such as cancer that are associated with obesity as identified in the blog post titled “Is Obesity Really Influencing the Risk of Cancer?“
The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
Cancer risk increases in those who are overweight or obese. According to doctors, obesity causes breast cancer, colon, kidney, liver, and at least eleven types.
As per the International Agency for Research on Cancers, every 5th case of cancer has a direct connection with obesity. This means that a lot of cases of cancer may be a result of failure to manage body weight adequately. Certain fatty foods are more strongly connected to specific types of cancer than others. The most significant links are with:
- Endometrial Carcinoma
- Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Mechanisms of Influence
Obesity increases the risk of developing cancer. Research shows there are biological factors that explain this connection.
- Chronic Inflammation: Obesity damages the body’s tissues. Chronic inflammation produces alteration and may set up an environment for the cancer tumor’s evolution.
- Hormonal Changes: If body fat accumulation occurs, obesity leads to endocrine system alterations. When women accumulate body fat, higher estrogen levels are produced, putting these women at a higher risk of developing cancers that require estrogen to grow, such as endometrial or breast cancer. Prostate cancer, which most obese men have, can be caused by Low testosterone.
- Insulin resistance: Being overweight means having extra fat, which increases the chances of insulin resistance; hence, the relationship between obesity and insulin is established. Quite frequently, this occurs in association with more common cancers such as colorectal and kidney cancer. IGF-1 is still another growth factor that is known to stimulate growth.
- Adipokines: Adipokines are also among the substances produced and secreted by adipose tissue in distinct forms. They facilitate both the growth and inflammatory processes. Some adipokines have been linked to increased fat mass, and excess body fat triggers these factors, further increasing the chances of cancer.
- Oxidative Stress: Obesity is often associated with several diseases, including fatty liver disease, also known as NAFLD. This condition features oxidative stress that can alter the DNA and subsequently lead to an increased risk of cancer.
Evidence from Studies
Many studies show a link between obesity and cancer. Women with ‘Grade 3’ obesity might develop endometrial cancer when compared to those with average weight.
If every American adult dropped their body mass index (BMI) by one point, approximately 100,000 new cancers would be avoided in the United States. Experts claim that this necessitates collective effort.
Weight rise (after age) can increase the risk of getting various cancers. After menopause, women who are overweight are more likely to get breast cancer. This may raise the risk of cancer of the colon. Keeping a healthy weight is a must because of a higher likelihood for getting multiple types of cancer.
Preventive Strategies
People who are overweight or obese increase their chances of getting cancer significantly. Here are some measures that, if incorporated, can reduce the risk:
- Maintaining Weight: A consistent workout regimen and a nutritious diet are vital to staying healthy.
- Exercise: Intense exercise may reduce potential cancer cases. For this reason, exercise also impacts hormones and inflammation.
- Nutrition: For efficient body mass control, a healthy diet that consists of lean meat, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables is essential; processed or fast food should be avoided.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption: The majority of specialists concur that cutting back on or giving up alcohol completely will lower the risk of getting cancer.
Conclusion
Many cancers are linked to obesity. As the world faces escalating obesity rates, we must address all related connections to create and implement initiatives to combat cancer effectively. By promoting healthier lifestyle choices, including exercise and weight control, it is possible to reduce the chances of developing such types of cancer. The battle against obesity is not only an individual concern in the war against cancer, but it’s a vital nursing problem to address.