In Europe, cancer is the second biggest cause of mortality and morbidity, responsible for 1.9 million deaths and 3.7 million cases each year.
Obesity is linked to over 200,000 of these cases.
In the UK alone, obesity is known to cause
▶ 12% of pancreatic cancer cases
▶ 11% of bowel cancer cases
▶ 7% of ovarian cancer cases
Food for thought indeed.
In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on the connection between obesity and an increased risk of various cancers, including pancreatic, bowel, and ovarian cancers. This link has significant implications for public health, as the prevalence of obesity continues to rise globally. What are the mechanisms behind this connection, and what strategies can people take to help mitigate their risk of cancer?
The Scale of Obesity
Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), global obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975. This escalation in obesity prevalence is alarming, considering its association with many health conditions, all of which will be putting an incredible strain on an already overwhelmed NHS.
Obesity Statistics
Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or more. Anyone with a BMI of between 25 and 30 is considered to be overweight. The Health Survey for England undertaken in 2021 estimates that 25.9% of adults in England are obese, with a further 37.9% classified as overweight. What is even more alarming is that nearly a quarter of children in England are considered obese by the time they finish primary school.
The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
Numerous studies have established a strong link between obesity and increased cancer risk. Specifically, obesity is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic, bowel, and ovarian cancers, among others:
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer, known for its poor prognosis and high mortality rate, has been linked to obesity. Excess body weight can lead to the development of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which are thought to promote pancreatic cancer cell growth.
Bowel Cancer
Colorectal cancer has a well-established connection with obesity. Adipose tissue, particularly in the abdominal area, produces excess amounts of hormones and inflammatory markers that can contribute to the development of bowel cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The mechanisms are not fully understood but may involve hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation associated with obesity.
General Mechanisms Linking Obesity to Cancer
The increased cancer risk associated with obesity is thought to be due to several mechanisms:
Hormonal Imbalances: Obesity can lead to imbalances in hormones like insulin, estrogen, and leptin, which are known to influence cell growth and may contribute to cancer development.
Chronic Inflammation: Excess adipose tissue leads to chronic low-level inflammation, which can damage DNA and promote cancer.
Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia: These conditions, commonly seen in obese individuals, can lead to increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis (cell death), creating an environment conducive to cancer development.
How Then, Can We Mitigate Cancer Risk?
While the link between obesity and cancer is concerning, it also suggests that modifying lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity can help reduce cancer risk. Strategies for mitigating cancer risk include:
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. This often involves a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in processed foods and sugars, can help manage weight and reduce cancer risk.
Exercise
Regular physical activity not only helps in weight control but also reduces cancer risk independently. The UK Government along with the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which would equate to 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week, for example.
Medical Interventions
In some cases, medical interventions such as bariatric surgery may be considered for obesity management, especially in individuals with a high risk of obesity-related complications.
In conclusion, there can be no doubt that there is a definite link between obesity and increased cancer risk, particularly for pancreatic, bowel, and ovarian cancers, which highlights the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic as part of cancer prevention strategies. It is vitally important that the general public are made more aware of this link so they can take matters into their own hands by amending their lifestyles. Through a combination of lifestyle modifications and, where necessary, medical interventions, it is possible to mitigate this risk and improve overall health outcomes.
