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[Obesity and cancer]
J-L Schlienger1, F Luca, S Vinzio
1Service de médecine interne et nutrition, CHU Hautepierre, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg cedex, France. jean-louis.schlienger@chru-strasbourg.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Obesity is a public health issue linked to increased cancer risk. While causal links are unclear, hormonal changes and inflammation associated with obesity may promote cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a recognized public health problem associated with increased cancer incidence.
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and common cancers.
- The precise causal mechanisms linking obesity to cancer remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of the relationship between obesity and cancer risk.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms, including hormonal alterations and inflammation, that may mediate this relationship.
- To discuss the implications for cancer prevention and the management of cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and animal models.
- Analysis of findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
- Examination of proposed biological pathways including hormonal and inflammatory factors.
Main Results:
- Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several common cancers.
- Potential mechanisms include obesity-related hormonal alterations such as hyperinsulinism, altered insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels, low adiponectin, and increased oestradiol due to enhanced aromatase activity.
- Inflammation linked to visceral adiposity is another proposed mechanism promoting cancer development.
- Current evidence does not convincingly show that weight loss improves the prognosis of treated cancers.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, mediated by hormonal changes and inflammation.
- Regular physical activity and caloric restriction may be beneficial for cancer prevention in healthy individuals and cancer survivors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate causal mechanisms and optimize interventions.
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