A look at the link between obesity and cancer: experts explain

Obesity-related cancers are on the rise in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, breast, colorectal and uterine cancer are the three most common cancers in women and all of them are associated with obesity.

Obesity and cancer have a complex relationship. Adipose tissue, or adipose tissue in women, produces excessive amounts of estrogen, which is often associated with several malignancies such as ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancer.

A disease known as hyperinsulinemia, which poses a risk of cancer, develops in people with high amounts of insulin, especially in obese individuals. As a result colon, kidney and prostate cancer can develop.

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna, Co-Founder, Hexa Health & General, Laser, Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgeon shares more about the possible link between obesity and cancer.

Obesity causes chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, which leads to DNA damage and promotes cancer cell growth.

The Indian population is facing an epidemic of growing obesity. According to the National Family Health Survey, in 2019-2020, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults aged 15-49 was 24.7% and 6.9%, respectively.

A study published in Lancet Oncology in 2018 estimated that around 4.5% of all cancer cases in India are due to overweight and obesity.

According to the National Cancer Registry Program, the incidence of breast cancer has increased by more than 30% in India over the past three decades, partly due to lifestyle changes such as increased consumption of calorie-dense foods and decreased physical activity. Is.

Obese cancer patients are at increased risk of recurrence and mortality compared with non-obese patients, mainly because of the effects of obesity on treatment response, immune function, and hormonal balance.

Obesity can affect the efficacy and safety of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. For example, obese patients may require higher doses of chemotherapy drugs and may be at higher risk of surgical complications and delayed wound healing.

Obese cancer survivors may experience a decreased quality of life due to the physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with obesity. They may also be at a higher risk of developing other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis.

Cancer care in obese patients is associated with higher health care costs, longer hospital stays, and increased use of health care resources. This can create a significant economic burden on patients, families, and health care systems.

Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers.

Public health interventions that promote healthy eating habits, physical activity and weight management are important for reducing the cancer burden in India.