Watch Your Weight! 13 Types of Cancer Linked to Obesity

Did you know that two out of five adults in America are obese? Having an unhealthy weight not only affects your confidence but also heightens the risk of several systemic illnesses, including cancer. Research now shows that deaths from obesity-linked cancers have more than tripled over the past 20 years. These cancers now account for around 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. every year!

Are you struggling with weight loss? Maintaining a healthy weight is now more important than ever. EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology offers several non-surgical treatments for excess weight in Brooklyn, New York, to help you achieve this goal. 

13 obesity-linked cancers 

Being overweight doesn’t mean you definitely get cancer, but it increases the risk. Here are 13 cancer types associated with obesity. Knowing these can help guide prevention, screening, and lifestyle changes:

1. Esophageal cancer: It’s a cancer type where malignant cells form in the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Risk factors include GERD, tobacco, alcohol use, and obesity. 
2. Breast cancer: After menopause, fat cells produce more estrogen. This makes cells divide faster, which increases the risk of breast cancer. 
3. Colorectal cancer: Higher BMI is consistently linked to a greater risk of colon and rectum cancers. This trend is rising, especially in younger individuals.  
4. Uterine cancer: Inflammation overload and extra estrogen stimulate womb cells to divide more frequently, causing cancer.
5. Gallbladder cancer: It’s one of the hardest cancers to treat. It starts from the innermost lining of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones, but obesity can be a trigger.
6. Stomach cancer: Obesity, especially with fat around the belly, is associated with a higher risk of malignancy in the upper part of the stomach.
7. Kidney cancer: Obesity heightens insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, which increase the risk of this cancer.
8. Liver cancer: Obesity contributes to fatty liver disease and other metabolic disruptions, which increase the risk of liver cancer.
9. Ovarian cancer: Unhealthy weight creates a pro-cancer environment that increases the risk of ovarian cancer. 
10. Pancreatic cancer: It’s one of the most aggressive obesity-related cancers. 
11. Thyroid cancer: Higher BMI correlates with increased thyroid cancer risk. The mechanism is likely related to hormonal and metabolic imbalances.
12. Meningioma: Obesity raises the risk of developing a tumor at the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
13. Multiple myeloma: This bone marrow cancer is also included in the list of cancers where obesity increases its incidence and mortality risk.

Extra fat in the body doesn’t just sit there. It sends signals to the rest of the body, raising inflammation, growth hormones, and estrogen production. These factors increase the risk of developing the 13 cancers mentioned. The good news is that obesity doesn’t have to put your health at risk. 

While good nutrition and exercise are good for weight management, sometimes you need help. Atlantic Gastroenterology offers several weight loss options, including the gastric balloon and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). Visit our office today and discover the option that best fits your needs. 

Schedule your appointment today!

The obesity epidemic has been steadily rising over the years. Unfortunately, unhealthy weight is linked to several issues, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Atlantic Gastroenterology is here to help you regain your health and quality of life. Call 718 521-2840 and learn about your options for achieving a healthy weight.

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