Obesity linked to 32 types of cancer as disease ‘fuels 40% of cases’, experts warn
GETTING fat could be a factor in four out of 10 cancers, a major study has found.
Experts say obesity can now be linked to 32 types of tumour – 19 more than previously thought.
The “groundbreaking” research by Lund University in Sweden tracked 4.1million people for up to 45 years and analysed 332,501 cases of cancer.
It found up to 40 per cent of the cases were contributed to by the patient’s weight.
Excess flab was newly linked to more tumour types than the 13 officially recognised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2016.
They included cancers in the mouth, throat, stomach and brain.
Many cancers could be prevented by staying slim
Study author Dr Ming Sun said: “Our findings suggest that the impact of obesity on cancer might be greater than previously known.
“It is a risk factor for more cancers, especially of rarer kinds, and some of these have never before been investigated in relation to obesity.
“Established obesity-related cancers accounted for 25 per cent of all cancer cases in this study, and the proportion increased to 40 per cent when potential obesity-related cancers were added.
“A substantial proportion of cancers could potentially be prevented by keeping a normal weight.”
Three out of 10 adults in the UK, more than 15million people, are obese.
We are likely facing a significant increase in cancer cases
Dr Jennifer Baker
Cancer is becoming more common and cases in Britain are projected to increase from 450,000 in 2022 to 625,000 by 2050.
Experts said being overweight can raise cancer risk by changing hormone levels and triggering long-term inflammation in the vital organs.
The study, revealed at the European Congress on Obesity, found obesity increased the danger by up to a quarter.
A BMI of 30, the threshold of obese, increased the risk of cancers known to be linked to weight, like bowel, kidney, breast and womb by 12 per cent for women and 24 per cent for men, compared to being a healthy weight.
It also increased the risk of types not previously linked to obesity, including malignant melanoma skin cancer and tumours in the small intestine, pituitary gland, oral cavity and penis or vulva.
Dr Jennifer Baker, from the European Association for the Study of Obesity, called the study “groundbreaking”.
She said: “These results show we are likely facing a significant increase in cancer cases.”
Malcolm Clark, of Cancer Research UK, added: “Obesity is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK after smoking.
“There are lots of things people can do to lower their risk of cancer, and keeping a healthy weight is one way to reduce it.
“Other steps include not smoking, being safe in the sun, eating a healthy balanced diet and cutting down on alcohol.”
How to lose weight without surgery
There are various other ways to lose weight without going under the knife.
According to the NHS, to get the best possible start on its weight loss plan, there are the seven steps you should follow.
- Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion
- Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
- Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
- Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day