Obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including: endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and postmenopausal breast cancer.
For example, nearly 50 percent of all breast cancers occur in obese women. And a woman who gains 20+ pounds, from age 18 to mid-life, doubles her risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.
Obesity Increases Cancer Mortality Rate
In both men and women, higher body mass index is associated with higher mortality rates from cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidney. The same applies to cancers of the stomach and prostate in men, as well as cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries in women.
Other Cancers Linked to Obese Lifestyle
Unhealthy diet and lack-of-exercise habits associated with the “obesity lifestyle” may increase the risk of developing other cancers. Experts consider that up to 70 percent of all cancers may be linked with bad eating and sedentary lifestyle.
