Obesity is a well-known risk factor for cancer, and also linked to some tumors. Professor Armando Santoro, Director of Humanitas’s Cancer Center, wrote about it on his blog on Repubblica.it.
Being heavily overweight may lead to some tumors. Such are those involving the endometrium, the esophagus, the bowel, breasts, the prostate and kidneys. Menopausal women are particularly in danger, due to the hormonal changes they undergo.
A high quantity of pro-inflammatory molecules (such as interleukin and HGF) in the blood, may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and favor the development of a tumor.
Moreover, obese patients produce excess sexual steroids, that are risk factors for many diseases. Obesity may also cause the so-called “insulin resistance”, one of the causes of type-2 diabetes and possible cause of proliferation of cancer cells.
Overweight patients get worse prognoses
Heavily overweight patients who get diagnosed a tumor, often receive a worse prognosis. This has to be taken into consideration in order to create better conditions.
“The first problems generally arise when the doctor has to program the medical treatment. The different metabolism in the absorption of medications makes it difficult to calculate the right dosages. The literature shows that obese people are more likely to experience relapses, especially if they don’t strive to achieve a healthier lifestyle (diet, habits, exercise) and actually working towards it”, Prof. Santoro highlights.
Exercising regularly and eating healthy, with few fats of animal origin, contribute to prevent tumors. We have to care for our lifestyle and keep our weight under control, possibly with the help of the Body Mass Index (BMI).
