Which Cancers Are Related to Obesity?

A recent KUOW podcast explained why are we seeing early onset terminal cancer cases on the rise worldwide. Smoking and alcohol consumptions are clear, but environmental toxins are harder to study. They now are realizing how being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 kinds of cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

• Breast (in women who have gone through menopause).

• Colon and rectum.

• Uterus.

• Gallbladder.

• Upper stomach.

• Kidneys.

• Liver.

• Ovaries.

• Pancreas.

• Thyroid.

• Meningioma (a type of brain cancer).

• Multiple myeloma.

What can we do?

• Our microbiome has a lot to do with these diseases. Our immune systems live in our guts, so what we eat matters. Reduce highly processed foods (foods that aren't whole food, plant-based). Eat more veggies and fruits.

• Obesity matters. Move in the ways you enjoy, especially after each meal to reduce spikes in glucose! 90 minutes/day is recommended, including walking.

• Eliminate chemical exposure such as smoking. Get to know our personal care products. Don't use pesticides in our homes.

• If you're having symptoms, listen to your body and visit your doctor for a check up. 

• It is now suggested we get our colonoscopy starting at 45. It's not fun, but worth it! You may be eligible to get screening earlier if you have family history with cancer.

Sources:
https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000106
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/obesity/index.htm