Unmasking the Link: How Obesity Fuels Cancer Growth On March 4th as world obesity day

HOW OBESITY INCREASES CANCER RISK

 

1) Chronic Inflammation: Obesity leads to chronic inflammation, particularly due to visceral fat around vital organs. This inflammation can promote cancer development by damaging DNA and disrupting normal cell growth. The kynurenine pathway, activated by inflammation, affects metabolism and may contribute to carcinogenesis.

2) Hormonal Imbalance: Excess body fat can disrupt hormone levels, such as insulin and estrogen, which play roles in cell growth and division. Elevated insulin levels can stimulate tumor growth, while increased estrogen levels are linked to endometrial and breast cancers.

3) Immune System Alterations: Obesity can alter the immune environment within tumors, promoting the presence of immunosuppressive cells that help cancer grow and spread.

4) Increased Insulin Levels: Obesity often leads to insulin resistance, causing the body to produce more insulin. High insulin levels promote the growth of tumors, increasing the risk of cancers such as colorectal, pancreatic, and kidney cancer.

5) Altered Cell Growth Regulation: Fat cells influence proteins that control cell division and repair. When these processes are disrupted, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth—a hallmark of cancer.

6) Gut Microbiome Disruption: Obesity can alter the gut microbiome, leading to harmful bacterial imbalances that may contribute to gastrointestinal cancers.

CANCERS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY

1. Breast Cancer (Postmenopausal): Fat cells produce excess estrogen, which can fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive breast tumors.

Risk factor: Postmenopausal women with obesity have a 20-40% higher risk of developing breast cancer.

2. Colorectal Cancer: Obesity leads to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered gut bacteria, which promote cancer cell growth.

Risk factor: People with obesity are 30% more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

3. Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: High estrogen levels from excess fat tissue stimulate the lining of the uterus, increasing cancer risk.

Risk factor: Women with obesity have a 2-4 times higher risk of endometrial cancer.

4. Kidney Cancer: Obesity contributes to high blood pressure and insulin resistance, both of which can lead to kidney cancer.

Risk factor: Obese individuals have a 2 times greater risk of kidney cancer.

5. Liver Cancer: Fat accumulation in the liver leads to chronic inflammation, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, which increase cancer risk.

Risk factor: Obesity-related liver diseases, like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), significantly raise the likelihood of liver cancer.

6. Pancreatic Cancer: Obesity leads to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, both of which can promote pancreatic tumor growth.

Risk factor: People with obesity have a 1.5 times higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

7. Esophageal Cancer: Obesity is a major cause of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can damage the esophagus and lead to cancer.

Risk factor: Obesity-related esophageal adenocarcinoma is among the fastest-growing cancers.

8. Ovarian Cancer: Higher insulin and estrogen levels in obesity may stimulate ovarian cancer growth.

Risk factor: Women with obesity have up to a 30% higher risk of ovarian cancer.

9. Gallbladder Cancer: Obesity increases gallstone formation, which can lead to chronic inflammation and cancer development.

Risk factor: Obese individuals, especially women, have a higher risk of gallbladder cancer.

10. Multiple Myeloma: Obesity affects the immune system and increases inflammation, promoting the growth of cancerous plasma cells.

Risk factor: People with obesity have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma.

REDUCING CANCER RISK THROUGH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even 5-10% weight loss lowers cancer risk

Adopt a Balanced Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit red/processed meat and increase fiber.

Stay Active: Do 150 min of moderate or 75 min of vigorous exercise weekly to balance hormones and strengthen immunity.

Control Blood Sugar: Avoid sugary foods; opt for whole grains, legumes, and proteins.

Reduce Inflammation: Lose visceral fat, eat turmeric, green tea, and leafy greens.

Limit Alcohol & Smoking: Both increase cancer risk.

Prioritize Sleep & Manage Stress: Sleep 7-9 hours, practice meditation/yoga.

Regular Screenings: Check weight, sugar, cholesterol; screen for obesity-related cancers.

CONCLUSION:

Dr. M.G. Giriyappagoudar a senior Hubballi based radiation oncologist with over 13 years of experience emphasizes that obesity is no longer just a lifestyle concern—it is a significant driver of cancer. With rising obesity rates, we are witnessing an alarming increase in obesity-related cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. The link is undeniable: excess weight triggers chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disruptions that fuel cancer growth."The harsh reality is that obesity is silently pushing more people toward cancer. But the good news? It is preventable, by making small but consistent lifestyle changes—losing even 5-10% of body weight, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and undergoing regular screenings—we can drastically reduce the risk. It’s time we take this issue seriously, not just for our weight, but for our long-term health and survival."