Reality Between Obesity And Cancer In Females

If you are overweight, you are most likely to get cancer.

What is Obesity?

A medical condition known as obesity is defined by the buildup of excess body fat to the point where it may be harmful to one's health.

Obesity is one of the most serious public healthproblems worldwide, even in developing countries. Its prevalence has dramatically increased in the last few decades, reaching epidemic proportions. In epidemiological studies, obesity is often defined with body mass index (BMI) as a single measure that can be compared across studies and populations. According to the World Health Organization, a BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m2 is overweight, while obesity is defined as having a BMI equal to or higher than 30 kg/m2.

 

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in developed countries and a second leading cause of death in developing countries. The number of cancer cases are expected to increase due to the growing and aging population.

 

Link between Obesity and Cancer

Extra fat in the body does not just sit there, it is active and send out signals to the rest of your body. These signals can tell cells in your body to divide more often, which can lead to cancer and cancer develops when your cells divide uncontrollably.

Role of Obesity in the Development of Female Cancer

It is believed that obesity increases the risk of cancer through a number of processes, such as;

 

Inflammation: Excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Hormone Levels: Obesity can affect hormone levels in the body, particularly insulin and estrogen, which may promote the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

Insulin Resistance: Obesity is often linked to insulin resistance, and insulin resistance may contribute to cancer development.

Immune System: Obesity can impact the immune system's function, potentially making it less effective in detecting and destroying cancer cells.

Fat Tissue Secretions: Fat tissue produces various bioactive substances, such as adipokines, which may influence the development and progression of cancer.

 

Cancers associated with Obesity

13 cancers are associated with overweight and obesity, namely;

• Thyroid

• Breast 

• Liver

• Pancreas

• Gall-bladder

• Upper stomach

• Colon & Rectum

• Kidneys

• Uterus

• Ovaries

• Multiple Myeloma (Cancer of blood cells)

• Adenocarcinoma of esophagus

• Meningioma (Cancer in the tissue covering brain & spinal cord)

 

How do I reduce my risk?

By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can reach a healthy weight. Maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in regular exercise can lower your chance of developing cancer linked to obesity.

 

 

Myths to Bust

Myth; If you are overweight, you will surely end up with cancer.

Fact; Being overweight does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer. Obesity is one of the factors contributing in the development of cancer.

 

Myth; Losing weight will eliminate the risk of cancer, if you were previously obese.

Fact; While weight loss and adopting a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers, the overall risk may not be completely eliminated.

 

Myth; All cancers are related to obesity.

Fact; While obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer, not all cancers are directly linked to weight. Some cancers have stronger associations with other factors, such as smoking, sun exposure, or genetic predisposition.

 

Myth; Obesity only contributes to female cancers.

Fact; It's important to note that the relationship between obesity and cancer is not exclusive to women; men with obesity also face an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

 

Myth; Obesity plays role in childhood cancers.

Facts; There is no link between obesity and childhood cancers. Overweight and obesity only causes cancer in adults. 

 

Challenges in Treatment of Obese-Cancer Patients

There are several challenges in the various treatment modalities of cancer in obese patients. 

• Doses of chemotherapeutic agents are usually calculated according to the patient’s actual body weight, and there are concerns of relative overdosing of chemotherapy in the obese cancer patients.

• The radiotherapy of obese cancer patients can be challenging, with technical difficulties in positioning patients in the accelerators and adjusting the treatmentvolume.

 

In Summary;

Obesity is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers by various mechanisms. A better understanding of mechanisms by which obesity may influence cancer development and progression is important to develop strategies for prevention of obesity and cancer and to improve outcomes for obese cancer patients. A high proportion of obesity and cancer globally may be prevented by individual and population behavior changes, for which we need a coordinated action of policymakers, educators, and health professionals.

DO NOT GIVE UP