Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Cancer Risk: Nutritional Perspectives and Long-Term Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Obesity is a known causal risk factor for numerous cancers.
• The magnitude of cancer risk varies by tumor site, sex, life stage, and fat distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review epidemiological evidence linking excess body fat to cancer incidence and mortality.
• To explore the biological mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer association.
• To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on cancer risk and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of recent epidemiological studies.
• Integration of biological mechanisms explaining obesity-cancer links.
• Analysis of evidence on bariatric surgery outcomes for cancer risk.

Main Results:

• Excess body fat promotes cancer via chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, hormonal dysregulation, impaired immunity, and gut microbiome alterations.
• Bariatric surgery effectively reduces weight and cancer risk, especially for obesity-related cancers, though benefits vary by surgical method.
• Long-term nutritional changes post-surgery (micronutrient deficiencies, altered intake) can impact cancer outcomes, necessitating structured follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery offers oncological benefits by improving metabolic factors and reducing cancer risk.
• Long-term nutritional management and monitoring are crucial after bariatric surgery to mitigate risks and optimize cancer prevention.
• The net effect of bariatric surgery on cancer depends on balancing metabolic improvements with nutritional considerations.