It’s easy to think of weight as a matter of how you look; the way clothes fit, the number on the scales. But studies suggest that its extra weight can raise the risk of several cancers. From how cancer starts to how well you recover, your body keeps a score. And sometimes, the numbers aren’t in your favour.
As per a study in PubMed, around one in five cancer cases can be traced back to being overweight or obese. It’s not just one or two types; either the list includes colon, breast (post-menopause), kidney, liver, and even oesophageal cancers.
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Different cancers, different processes: Excess body fat can cause trouble in several ways. Hormones like oestrogen can feed certain cancers. High insulin can encourage others. Chronic, low-grade inflammation, the kind you don’t necessarily feel, may also be the reason for tumours to grow.
The postmenopause effect: For women after menopause, body fat becomes a key source of oestrogen. Higher levels mean higher breast cancer risk. Research shows losing around 10 kg, and keeping it off, can almost halve this risk.
Colon cancer’s sugar connection: More body fat can push up insulin and related hormones, which can make colon cancer more likely. People with higher blood sugar readings, even without diabetes, seem to face higher risks.
Oesophageal cancer on the rise: Obesity can cause persistent acid reflux, which damages the oesophagus over time. This scarring and inflammation can, in some cases, turn cancerous, and cases of this cancer have risen sharply in recent decades.
Weight gain over the years: Men who put on more than 20 kg after the age of 20 have been shown to face a 60% higher risk of colon cancer. But even smaller, steady gains can add up.
Losing weight, gaining protection: Weight loss, even the kind achieved through surgery, has been linked to lower cancer risk and fewer cancer deaths, especially for obesity-related cancers.
The power of movement: Exercise isn’t just about the waistline. It directly lowers colon and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, and for cancer survivors, it can mean better recovery, energy, and quality of life.
Weight after diagnosis: Being obese when diagnosed, or gaining weight during treatment, can reduce survival chances in some cancers. But staying active and eating well post-treatment can raise your chances.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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