Could being obese put you at risk for cancer? It just might, according to a new study. Researchers have found that excess weight can increase the likelihood that a woman may develop ovarian cancer.
Obesity has been linked to complications, such as heart disease and diabetes, in the past. In addition, it seems as if obesity is being increasingly linked with an increased risk of cancer; these cancers include breast cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, gallbladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and, now, ovarian cancer, according to the Liberty Voice.
So how does obesity increase the risk for ovarian cancer? It turns out that levels of body fat are linked to ovarian tumors.
"We estimated a 6 percent increase in [ovarian cancer] risk per five [points] increase in body-mass index," said Elisa Bandera, one of the researchers, in an interview with WebMD. "We know that obesity affects hormones known to affect the cancer process. It also leads to insulin resistance and [high levels of insulin], as well as a chronic systemic inflammation."
In the U.S., about two-thirds of women are overweight or obese, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. This means that these women increase their risk for developing any of the eight types of cancer associated with body weight. That said, the study also shows that it's possible to reduce cancer risk through diet.
"These latest findings from the Continuous Update Project offer another reminder that our weight, and our lifestyle, play an important role in cancer risk for both women and men," said Alice Bender, AICR Associate Director of Nutrition Programs, in an interview with the American Institute of Cancer Research. "This is really an empowering message. There are no guarantees, but adding activity into your day and healthy plant foods onto your plate are steps you can take today to reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic conditions as well."
