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Cancer Prevention

Overweight and Cancer Risk

 

90,000 cancer deaths could
 be prevented each year in
the U.S. if people would maintain a healthy weight.

 

 Excess body fat has been linked to increased risk of cancer in many studies. Now data from the very large Cancer Prevention 2 Study1 shows just how important maintaining a healthy weight is in preventing cancer.

This study includes 900,000 adults studied for 16 years! They found that for all cancers combined, being significantly overweight increased death from cancer by 52% in men and 62% in women compared those in a healthy weight range. Here is a list of cancers for which obesity increases risk:

Cancer Site (in women)

Increased Risk1
All cancers, women 62% greater risk overall
Multiple myeloma

1.44
Colon and rectum 1.46
Ovary 1.51
Liver 1.68
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 1.95
Breast 2.12
Gallbladder 2.13
Esophagus 2.64
Pancreas 2.76
Cervix 3.2
Kidney 4.75
Uterus 6.25
All cancers, men: 52% greater risk overall
Prostate 1.34
Colon and rectum 1.84
Stomach 1.94
Pancreas 2.61
Liver 4.52
All other cancers 1.68

The good news is that this means if you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, you can cut your risk of cancer by 50-60%.

Overall, the researchers estimate that current patterns of obesity in the United States could account for 14% of all deaths from cancer in men and 20 percent of those in women. In terms of numbers of people, the researchers estimate that 90,000 deaths due to cancer could be prevented each year in the United States if men and women could maintain a healthy weight (BMI <25).

Weight Category Risk of Cancer
Men, BMI Range Relative Risk*
Healthy weight 18.5 -24.9

1.0
Overweight 25-29.9 0.97
Obese I 30-34.9 1.09
Obese II 35-39.9 1.2
Obese III 40+ 1.52
Women, BMI Range  
Healthy weight 18.5 -24.9

1.0
Overweight 25-29.9 1.08
Obese I 30-34.9 1.23
Obese II 35-39.9 1.32
Obese III 40+ 1.62

What is your BMI? Use the BMI Calculator to check your own body mass index and determine your risk of cancer.

 
 

References
1. Calle EE et al. Overweight, obesity, and the mortality from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U.S. adults, New England Journal of Medicine Apr 24, 2003; 348:1625-38

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Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2003 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 2-27-03 DRH