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Research links over 100000 cancer cases yearly to obesity

November 6, 7:46 AMCharlotte Health and Happiness ExaminerKathleen Blanchard RN
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According to new research from the American Institute for Cancer Research, several types of cancer are linked to obesity. Weight management plays an important role in cancer prevention, yet public awareness of the link between obesity and cancer is low. Estimates show that that more than 100,000 cancer diagnoses each year are linked to obesity.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has presented findings that provide “convincing evidence” that obesity is responsible for over 100,000 specific types of cancers annually. Cancers fueled by obesity include endometrial, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney, gallbladder, breast and colorectal cancer.

According to the report from the AICR, roughly 33000 cases of breast cancer, 21000 incidences of endometrial cancer, and 13000 cases of colorectal cancers occur yearly from obesity.

The researchers looked at incidences of cancer caused by obesity, finding that excess body fat is responsible for 35 percent of esophageal cancer cases; 28 percent of pancreatic cancer cases; 24 percent of kidney cancer cases; 21 percent of gallbladder cancer cases; 17 percent of breast cancer cases; and 9 percent of colorectal cancer cases.

Cancer caused and fueled by obesity is believed to be linked to estrogen released by body fat, as is the case in estrogen positive breast cancer. Studies also show that fat releases harmful chemicals that increase oxidative stress and inflammation, in turn leading to DNA changes and cancerous cell growth. Obesity makes cancer treatment more difficult.
The evidence that specific types of cancer are tied to obesity, and that many types of cancer are preventable is strong. Researchers do not yet fully understand exactly why cancer stems from excess body fat. The analysis from the AICR also suggests that elevated insulin levels that accompany obesity influence cancer cell growth.
Source: AICR

Photo credit: www.wels.net

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