Obesity cancer risk could reverse gains from less smoking

Today CBS posted an article providing an overview of obesity and increased cancer rates worldwide.e.  Last year we discussed this in support group, however I am not sure all of our patients are aware of the connections between weight and cancer. 

To anybody who has taken the first step towards weight loss, congratulations.  The majority of our patients come to us to treat or prevent diabetes, heart disease, increase the ability to move, or to improve quality of life.  But CANCER? 

According to this article

-  In 2008, an estimated 168 million healthy-life years were lost to cancer around the world

-  Obesity and inactivity increase the risk of colorectal, post-menopausal breast, liver, kidney and pancreatic cancers

-  As developing worlds obtain more resources and wealth, the intake of processed/junk food increases fueling the obesity pandemic

How can weight affect cancer?

-  There is an increase in consumption of meat with greater societal and personal wealth.  The American Cancer Society recommends trimming all visible fat from meat.  Many carcinogens, cancer-causing substances, are fat-soluble, residing in the fatty tissue of the animal meat we consume.  Think of meat as a "condiment," to the meal, not the main course. 

-  Similarly, human fat can become a depot for fat-soluble carcinogens.

-  Typical indigenous diets are high in fruits, vegetables and fiber which are all known cancer prevention substances.  When junk food increases, the intake of less processed, more natural foods decreases.

-  Weight gained in the midsection, "belly fat," can undermine the immune system and allow for cancers to grow.

-  Inactivity decreases as we gain weight.  Exercise enhances the immune system and it's ability to be an accurate radar for cancer growth to eliminate it from the body before it has a chance to take hold.