Why Obesity Can Cause Cancer

The results of a poll of 1,205 adults last June revealed that most Americans know that if they are overweight their chances of getting heart disease and diabetes rise, but only 25 percent of those polled knew their risk of cancer also increases. Gaining just a half a pound a year or five pounds a decade can contribute to cancer risk according to Dr. George Bray, professor of medicine at Louisiana State University Medical Center at a recent conference.

More than 500,000 people will die in the United States this year, the American Cancer Society says. The World Health organization estimates that one-fourth to one-third of all cancer cases worldwide are related to being overweight or obese and physically inactive. Overweight people are at the greatest risk for acquiring breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, and kidney cancer. 

The individuals at highest risk for developing these cancers are those that have gained 22 pounds or more after the age of 20. Dr. Bray believes people should limit weight gain during their adult life to no more than 11 pounds. It's not so much the weight that's the problem; it's the excess body fat. Fat cells act like "hormone pumps" and produce higher levels of insulin and estrogen, both contributing to accelerated cell division and replication-a perfect setup for creating malignant cells. Fat cells can also keep carcinogens trapped in the body and these can ultimately cause the development of cancer.

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends that all people should strive to be physically active and lean. "Recent research indicates that science increasingly has shown vigorous exercise, as opposed to moderate exercise, is more beneficial for the prevention of breast cancer and colon cancer," according to Colleen Doyle, the society's director of nutrition and physical activity.

The bottom line, get lean, stay lean, and train hard if you want to prevent many of the cancers that kill Americans!