Startling results: Obesity causes over 100,000 cancers per year
The Researchers from the American Institute for Cancer Research reported that more than 100,000 cancer cases in the U.S. are associated with excess body fat but most of them are preventable.
Results showed that the main type of obesity-associated with cancers is endometrial cancer, followed by esophageal, pancreatic and kidney cancers, among others. Increased body fat is linked to:
- 49% of endometrial cancers (20,700 cases/year)
- 35% of esophageal cancers (5,800 cases/year)
- 28% of pancreatic cancers (11,900 cases/year)
- 24% of kidney cancers (13,900 cases/year)
- 21% of gallbladder cancers (2,000 cases/year)
- 17% of breast cancers (33,000 cases/year)
- 9% of colorectal cancers (13,200 cases/year)
These results showed that fat cells actively secrete dozens of hormones that act as chemical messengers in various parts of the body. Scientists suspect that these chemical signals may promote not only cancer, but also a wide range of other chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
"There is no doubt," said Laurence Kolonel, MD, PhD and member of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) expert panel. "If people sustain a normal body weight and remain physically active throughout life, it will have a major impact on cancer incidence."
The latest research adds to the growing body of evidence concerning the many negative effects of obesity on cancer incidence. Previous studies have shown that excess fat tissue causes increased levels of inflammation compounds in the bloodstream and promotes oxidative stress on the body, leading to DNA mutation and diminished immune function. Both of these factors are conductive for not only the formation of diseased cells, but also their multiplication.
The American Cancer Society recommends, if you don't want to fall prey to a chronic degenerative disease such as cancer, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and choosing alkaline forming foods, do at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days per week or more. Shedding excess weight can be beneficial even after diagnosis.
Comments
(3)At last! Someone with real expertise gives us the asnwer. Thanks!
Great article.
What are alkaline forming foods?
Bonnie, these foods include vegetable juices, parsley, raw spinach, broccoli, celery, garlic, barley grass, green beans, lima beans, carrots, beets, lettuce, zucchini, dried figs and raisins, dates, black currant, grapes, papaya, kiwi, berries, apples, pears, almonds and green tea.