Colorectal cancer, which scientists say is one of the fastest growing types of cancer in young people, is also linked to our body type, according to new research.
In particular, obesity has been linked to a 10% higher risk of colon cancer, but according to recent findings, where fat is stored in the body, regardless of how much, also plays an important role and can increase risk, as reported by the Vita.
The research
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, was carried out by researchers from six countries, including the US and the UK, and looked at the health records of nearly 330,000 adults in the UK Biobank database.
The research team divided the participants into 4 categories based on their body shape, which was determined by height and fat distribution.
The researchers found that body types classified as tall, non-obese but with an accumulation of abdominal fat were 12% more likely to develop colon cancer compared to the rest, a risk that reached 18% for women.
Participants classified as tall or short with fat more evenly distributed across their body, such as on their arms, legs and chest, had the lowest risk (3% and 5% respectively).
What the scientists pointed out
The researchers said the findings show that people with accumulated abdominal fat were at the highest risk.
Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is a type of body fat that accumulates in the abdominal cavity and around the internal organs. It is considered more harmful than other types of fat because it is located deep in the abdominal cavity. In addition, it surrounds vital organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestine.
This type of fat releases hormones and other chemicals that can increase your risk of a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Dr Heinz Freisling, lead author of the study, said:
“Increased body fat has been shown to cause problems with regulating metabolism, inflammation and blood sugar, which leads to higher levels of hormones called adipokines. Adipokines, which include leptin, could be directly related to cancer development.
Junk food, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle are the main contributing factors to more apple-shaped body types these days. Proper information and attention to daily lifestyle habits is required.
Our research team is going to conduct additional research on the possible mechanisms behind the effect of body shape on the risk of developing colon cancer.”
#Cancer #role #body #type #play
