CDC links overweight and obesity to increased risk of 13 different cancers

CDC recently released ‘vital signs’ have reported that being obese or overweight puts you at increased risk of 13 different cancers. These cancers constitute about 40% of all burden of cancer incidence in US. In 2014, approximately 631,000 persons in the United States received a diagnosis of a cancer associated with overweight and obesity.

Endometrial, ovarian, and postmenopausal female breast cancers accounted for 42% of new cases of overweight-and obesity-related cancers in 2014.

A review of data from 2005-2014 revealed that incidence of many of these cancers have increased by 7% in last 10 years, except colorectal cancers. Nearly 30% of US adult weigh more than what’s recommended and 50% do not have any idea that being overweight puts them at risk for these cancers.

CDC fact sheet

The obesity related cancers are adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, cancers of the breast [in postmenopausal women], colon and rectum, endometrium, gallbladder, gastric cardia, kidney, liver, ovary, pancreas, and thyroid; meningioma; and multiple myeloma.

On the other hand, non-obesity related cancers are down by 13%.

These obesity related cancers constitute nearly half of all the cancers in women and quarter of all cancers in men.

This finding has important public health implications as the burden can be considerably reduced by making a change in lifestyle and behaviors.

Multiple level interventions into policy, systems, and environmental changes that promote physical activity and healthy food options in communities

The CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program supports comprehensive cancer control efforts, including environmental approaches that promote physical activity and healthy food options in communities.

To start with everyone can:

Eat a healthy diet by following the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, every week.

Talk to your primary healthcare provider about losing weight.

Vital signs by CDC

CDC vital signs fact sheet PDF