Extra Pounds = Extra Risk of Cancer

Scientific evidence points to being overweight as a risk factor for several types of cancers.

Cancers linked to excess pounds include endometrial (the lining of the uterus) and menopausal breast cancer, as well as cancers of the colon, esophagus, kidney and pancreas.

Scientists also believe there is a “probable association” between being overweight and adult leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian, cervical, gallbladder, liver and aggressive prostate cancer.

How much a person is overweight has a bearing on risk, according to studies examining the link.

Most believe a linear relationship exists for cancers like colon and post-menopausal breast cancer. This means that the heavier someone is, the greater the risk he or she has of developing cancer.

How obesity increases the risk of cancer depends on the type of cancer.

Scientists believe extra fat cells enable the body to produce more cancer-promoting growth factors such as insulin that may promote cancer growth.

In other cases, local fat deposits may be the source of the increased risk.

To decrease the risk of cancer and other health problems associated with excess weight, see your health care provider for advice on how to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.