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Studies Reveal a Link Between Obesity and Cancer

A Cancer Prevention Diet Can Reduce Problems With Obesity

Nov 8, 2009 Jennifer Graham

Research reveals facts about obesity that suggest excess weight causes cancer. Evidence also indicates a link between cases of cancer and diet.

There is a strong link between obesity and cancer, according to a report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The AICR, along with the World Cancer Research Foundation collected data from numerous studies which suggest that excess weight increases a person's risk for cancer of the colon, pancreas, kidney and esophagus.

According to this body of research, obesity is the likely cause of approximately 33,000 cases if breast cancer, and 21,000 incidents of endometrial cancer, every year. Researchers theorize that health problems with obesity are caused by excess fat around the stomach. The excess fat causes the body to produce more estrogen, which increases the risk for breast and endometrial cancers.

As a result of uncovering these facts about obesity, researchers believe that 100,000 people could be spared from cancer every year if they lose excess fat. Based on the research, obesity is linked to about six percent of all forms of cancer that are diagnosed annually in the United States.

Obesity and Exercise

Researchers involved in the analysis of obesity and cancer are recommending that people regularly exercise. Obesity and cancer risks are reduced for people who spend at least 30 minutes a day participating in some form of physical activity. This includes golfing, brisk walking, dancing, weight lifting, and house work.

According to the National Institutes of Health and supporting research, obesity treatment and prevention involves making lifestyle changes. That is why people who are experiencing problems with obesity should focus on physical activities that they enjoy. This will make it easier to stick to a physical fitness program. However, it is important to consult a doctor before starting an obesity prevention program.

Cancer Prevention Diet

According to the AICR, there is a strong link between cancer and diet. Their data suggests that nearly half of all cancers are cause by the foods that people eat. Foods that are high in fat, processed, barbecued, smoked, or commercially baked can cause cancer. Additives, preservatives, and pesticides also contain carcinogens.

The AICR says people can reduce their risk for problems with obesity and cancer by maintaining a diet that consists primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grain foods. Garlic should also be included in a cancer prevention diet because it helps prevent cancers of the colon and stomach.

The AICR notes that multiple studies on cancer and diet suggest that an ingredient in soy, known as isoflavones, offers protection against cancer because it regulates hormonal activity in the body. As a result, soy stops the growth of cancer cells in the breast and prostate. Soy foods include miso, tofu, soy milk, and soybeans.

For more facts about obesity, see the article titled Mothers Pass Problems With Obesity to Children. It explains what women can do to protect their children from weight problems. The article titled Colon Cancer Survival offers information on cancer recovery.

Resources:

MedlinePlus

HelpGuide

American Institute for Cancer Research

The copyright of the article Studies Reveal a Link Between Obesity and Cancer in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Graham. Permission to republish Studies Reveal a Link Between Obesity and Cancer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Cancer Prevention Diet: Fruits and Vegetables