The Link Between Excess Weight and Increased Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Analysis

Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing at least 13 types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These cancers include breast cancer in postmenopausal women, multiple myeloma, meningioma (a type of brain cancer), and cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, uterus, gallbladder, upper stomach, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, and thyroid.

In the United States alone, more than 684,000 cases of cancer associated with excess weight are diagnosed each year, with the majority occurring in individuals aged 50 and older. Excess weight is believed to be responsible for approximately 11 percent of cancers in women, 5 percent in men, and 7 percent of all cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of weight a person carries and the duration of being overweight.

The presence of excess weight can lead to bodily changes that contribute to cancer-related conditions, such as chronic inflammation and elevated levels of hormones like estrogen, insulin, and insulin-like growth-factor, which can promote cancer development. Additionally, excess body fat can impact the ability of cancer cells to spread, or metastasize, as highlighted by the cancer society.

It is important to note that being overweight or obese does not guarantee a cancer diagnosis, but rather increases the likelihood compared to individuals who maintain a healthier weight. The CDC emphasizes that maintaining a healthy weight, along with not smoking, is one of the most crucial steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which provides a brief overview of the statistical aspects of health issues. Additional information and relevant research can be accessed through the provided hyperlinks.

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obesity and cancer risk emerging biological mechanisms and perspectives

Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing at least 13 types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These cancers include breast cancer in postmenopausal women, multiple myeloma, meningioma (a type of brain cancer), and cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, uterus, gallbladder, upper stomach, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, and thyroid.

In the United States alone, more than 684,000 cases of cancer associated with excess weight are diagnosed each year, with the majority occurring in individuals aged 50 and older. Excess weight is believed to be responsible for approximately 11 percent of cancers in women, 5 percent in men, and 7 percent of all cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of weight a person carries and the duration of being overweight.

The presence of excess weight can lead to bodily changes that contribute to cancer-related conditions, such as chronic inflammation and elevated levels of hormones like estrogen, insulin, and insulin-like growth-factor, which can promote cancer development. Additionally, excess body fat can impact the ability of cancer cells to spread, or metastasize, as highlighted by the cancer society.

It is important to note that being overweight or obese does not guarantee a cancer diagnosis, but rather increases the likelihood compared to individuals who maintain a healthier weight. The CDC emphasizes that maintaining a healthy weight, along with not smoking, is one of the most crucial steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

[Source: Cancer Research UK – How does obesity cause cancer? – URL: [1]]