Cancer and obesity
Being obese makes it more likely that you'll get certain types of cancer.1 2 3
Women who are obese are more likely to get cancer in their breasts, gallbladder, ovaries, colon, uterus (womb) or cervix (neck of the womb).
Men who are obese are more likely to get cancer in their colon, rectum or prostate (a small gland near your bladder).
Doctors aren't sure why some types of cancer are more common in people who are obese. The cancer could happen because of the extra weight or because of larger amounts of fat and calories that obese people have eaten.
To read more about the different types of cancer, see our articles on:
Sources for the information on this page:
- Gumbiner B (editor). Obesity. 3rd edition. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 2001.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity. The practical guide: identification, evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. October 2000. Available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf (accessed on 10 April 2008).
- Fairburn CG, Brownell KD. Eating disorders and obesity: a comprehensive handbook. 2nd edition. Psychology Press, London, UK; 2002.
This information was last updated in Oct 27, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
