Obesity is a health condition in which a person has an unhealthy amount of body fat. It can be the result of many factors, including genetic and environmental. No matter the cause, the staff here at Island Hospital, in Anacortes, WA, say that obesity could lead to serious medical issues, such as cancer. Here, they discuss some of the important details you should know about the link between obesity and cancer.

What is the Relationship Between Obesity and Cancer?

Obesity Overview

Obesity is typically caused by malnutrition, which in turn lowers the immune response and increases the risk of developing an infection. Inflammation is the immune system’s response to fighting infections and diseases; however, when excessive inflammation is generated, this can increase a person’s risk of developing serious chronic diseases. While the most common risks are diabetes and heart disease, cancer is also related. For example, obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones, which is also a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Estrogen Levels

Adipose tissue, also known as fat tissue, produces excessive amounts of estrogen. High estrogen levels are associated with a variety of diseases, such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. While obesity is also linked to higher levels of insulin that increase the risk of diabetes, insulin can also lead to the development of colon, prostate, and kidney cancers.

Age of Weight Gain

Research has suggested that the time of weight gain is connected to a person’s chances of developing cancer. For example, being overweight during childhood is more of a risk factor than gaining weight later in life. However, this does depend on the type of cancer.

You can fight obesity and reduce your chances of developing cancer by making a few critical lifestyle changes and consulting a medical professional. The healthcare staff at Island Hospital will evaluate your condition and work with you to create a prevention plan that best meets your lifestyle. Visit our website for more information about their services.