Many are unaware that obesity raises cancer risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Cancer Research UK warns the nation that thousands of new cancer cases will result from increasing rates of obesity.
Overweight and obesity are, after smoking, among the most preventable causes of cancer. According to the leading charity Cancer Research UK, excess weight causes 3.8 per cent of cancers. In breast and womb cancer, obesity increases risk because of increased production of estrogen. The reason why weight increases the risk of bowel and kidney cancers is less clear. As obesity rates increase, so too does the risk of weight-related cancers. Cancer Research UK predicts an increase in these cancers in Britain from 10,500 to 12,000 cases a year during the next seven years.

The charity has just carried out a survey of 4,000 men and women and learned that more than half of them were overweight or obese. But 87 per cent of obese people and 32 per cent of overweight people failed to identify their correct weight category. And 71 per cent of those carrying excess weight did not realize it was a cancer risk factor. Cancer Research UK and another charity, Weight Concern, are promoting a 'top ten tips' campaign to help people get to a healthy weight - and stay there. They suggest regular meals, regular exercise, healthy snacks and, naturally, five helpings (400 grams) of fruit and vegetables per day.

Source
Cancer Research UK 4th December 2006

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