The link between cancer and obesity has been demonstrated by many studies in recent years, and obesity has been found to be a risk factor for some cancers. Studies by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer show that obesity increases the incidence of cancer worldwide.
Impact of obesity on cancer and incidence
Among the cancers caused by obesity are cancers of the colon (large intestine), breast (especially after menopause), endometrium (uterus), kidney, pancreas, esophagus (gullet) and gallbladder. Obesity is a risk factor for a total of 13 cancers, including these cancers.
- Colorectal cancer: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases by about 30 percent in obese people.
- Breast cancer: The risk of developing breast cancer increases by 20-40% in obese women, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Uterine cancer: 2-4 times the risk of endometrial cancer in obese women.
- Pancreatic cancer: Obesity increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 20-50%.
Mechanisms of obesity’s impact on cancer
Several biological mechanisms explain the impact of obesity on cancer development:
- Inflammation: Excess adipose tissue causes chronic inflammation in the body, which leads to DNA damage in cells, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Hormone levels: Obesity increases levels of hormones such as estrogen and insulin. High estrogen levels can increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancer, and insulin resistance can also contribute to various cancers.
Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is a disease that affects either one kidney or two kidneys at once. The second case is more rare and appears in case of untimely referral to a specialist.
The main symptoms of kidney cancer:
- weakness;
- blood in the urine;
- loss of appetite;
- fever;
- pain and swelling in the lower back.
This disease most often occurs against the background of obesity and alcohol abuse. Provokes the disease a sharp change in the hormonal background, in which the organ begins to work incorrectly and poorly copes with its function. Overweight not only provokes the disease, but also prevents its standard treatment.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is a disease that depresses all the functions of the stomach. A person who faces this ailment cannot consume food properly. Why does obesity lead to cancer? It’s all about eating disorders. Due to an unbalanced diet, unhealthy, fatty food, the digestive organs suffer first of all.
The main symptoms of stomach cancer:
- constant fatigue and rapid tiredness;
- sudden weight loss;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- occasional heartburn.
If the disease is detected in time, the probability of recovery is 90-95%. It is necessary to be attentive to all warning signs to avoid serious problems.
Endometrial cancer
The disease is called “uterine cancer”. This disease has recently become the most common among women. Initially, the disease proceeds without symptoms. After the disease affects more areas, uterine bleeding appears, which can only be stopped in hospital conditions.
Women who arrive with bleeding are immediately examined for the presence of this disease. It should not be forgotten that obesity affects all childbearing organs and disrupts the hormonal balance, which leads to radical failures in the work of the female reproductive system.
Does weight loss affect your risk of cancer
To avoid cancer, you need to control your weight. A sudden weight loss can also cause irreversible processes in the cells. Therefore, if it was decided to lose weight, this process should be carried out slowly, step by step.
With strict diets, the body suffers and tries to defend itself in every possible way. If it is possible to lose weight gradually, it will reduce the risk of disease. The main thing is that everything was done in time, because excess weight provokes cancer and sometimes even medicine becomes powerless.
Obesity prevention as a way to reduce cancer risks
Since obesity is a proven risk factor for cancer, effective prevention of this condition can significantly reduce the likelihood of cancer. The main methods of prevention are:
- Rational nutrition – avoid excessive consumption of fatty and high-carbohydrate foods, increase the amount of vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and protein in the diet. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of processed meats and convenience foods, as they are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Physical activity – regular physical activity not only helps control weight, but also reduces inflammation in the body, improving metabolism and hormones. WHO recommends a minimum of 150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
- Controlling sugar and insulin levels – obesity is often accompanied by insulin resistance, which can contribute to cancer. Maintaining normal blood glucose levels through a balanced diet and exercise plays a key role in reducing cancer risks.
- Avoiding bad habits – alcohol and smoking combined with obesity multiply the likelihood of developing various types of cancer, especially of the digestive and respiratory system.
Role of gut microflora in cancer development in obesity
New research shows that the state of the gut microflora may also influence the development of cancer, especially in obese people. An imbalance in gut microflora leads to chronic inflammation, which can create a favorable environment for mutations in cells and tumor formation.
Factors that support healthy microflora and reduce cancer risks:
- Consumption of fiber and probiotics (fermented milk products, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut).
- Limiting refined sugar and processed foods that promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
- Sufficient water intake for normal digestion and elimination of toxins.
Conclusion
Thus, fighting obesity is not only a way to improve overall health, but also an effective cancer prevention measure. It is important to follow a healthy diet, maintain physical activity, control hormone and glucose levels, and take care of the psycho-emotional state. Such a comprehensive approach will not only reduce the risk of cancer, but also improve the quality and duration of life.
