World Cancer Fund: Obesity is the Leading Cause of Cancer
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2009/02/24 01:57
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CBS News Network / Zhu Kewei 2007-11-01
The World Cancer Research Fund has released a new version of its cancer prevention report, revising and presenting the ten most authoritative recommendations for preventing cancer. The report emphasizes that obesity is the leading cause of cancer, and avoiding obesity, controlling weight, and exercising more are the most important measures for cancer prevention.
The World Cancer Research Fund convened a panel of 21 renowned scientists who spent five years compiling and analyzing data to produce this conclusive report.
Experts involved in the study stated that, apart from tobacco, obesity is a significant lifestyle-related determinant of cancer. Six types of cancer, including colon, breast, and kidney cancer, have been confirmed to be associated with obesity. Physical activity can reduce the likelihood of colon and rectal cancer and is also likely to decrease the risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
The experts provided ten recommendations for preventing cancer through healthy lifestyle habits. Unlike previous guidelines, the top three recommendations focus on maintaining a healthy weight, controlling obesity, and encouraging appropriate physical activity. Following these are traditional cancer prevention suggestions such as eating more fruits and vegetables, consuming less red meat, and reducing alcohol intake.
In addition to the ten cancer prevention recommendations, the World Cancer Research Fund specifically reminds everyone: "Never smoke."
◆ British Medical Research: Drinking Alcohol, Eating Red Meat, and Obesity All Increase Cancer Risk
Central News Agency 2007/10/31
(Central News Agency Reporter Huang Zhenzhen, London, October 31) According to a large-scale cancer research analysis to be released today by British medical researchers, drinking alcohol and consuming red meat significantly increase the risk of cancer, and obesity is highly likely to cause cancer. The public is urged to maintain a normal weight and pay attention to their diet.
The World Cancer Research Fund analyzed 500,000 reports published globally over the past five years, selecting 7,000 cancer-related reports for in-depth analysis. Professor Marmot from the University of London's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, who led the research, noted that the report clearly shows a strong link between obesity and cancer, a finding that surprised him.
Professor Marmot said that while there have been many reports on the link between being overweight and cardiovascular diseases, research on the connection between obesity and cancer is less common and particularly noteworthy. The study found that body fat is most strongly associated with colon and breast cancer.
Another researcher, Professor Weissman, pointed out that cancer is not "fate" but involves the probability of developing the disease. Reducing cancer risk depends on diet and lifestyle habits, and it is crucial for individuals to feel in control of their own lives.
Professor Marmot urged the public to avoid gaining weight after the age of 21. If current weight exceeds the standard, daily exercise and weight loss efforts should be undertaken to reduce the risk of cancer.
The researchers specifically warned that people should immediately stop consuming processed meats such as ham, bacon, and sausages. If consumption is unavoidable, weekly intake should be limited to 500 grams, equivalent to a maximum of five burgers per week.
While the researchers agree that moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial to health, men should not exceed two drinks per day, and women should not exceed one. Sugary drinks should also be avoided, and juice consumption should be reduced.
On the other hand, the researchers highly affirmed the cancer-preventive effects of breastfeeding, noting that breastfeeding not only helps reduce the mother's risk of cancer but also prevents infant obesity.
Professor Weissman stated that while two-thirds of cancer cases are unrelated to diet or lifestyle, at least three million of the ten million global cancer cases each year are linked to these factors. If patients follow the recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, they can avoid cancer.◆ Obesity in Women Most Likely to Cause Colorectal Cancer
[World Daily/Reuters Washington, 15th] 2007.10.16
Researchers from Stony Brook University in New York stated on the 15th that obesity is the most significant risk factor for women to develop colorectal cancer, although obesity does not have a significant relationship with colorectal cancer in men.
The study found that obese women are more likely to develop polyps in the colon, and obesity is a better predictor of who will develop colon polyps than smoking or a family history of colorectal cancer.
Dr. Joseph Anderson, who led the study, said, "Among various risk factors such as age, family history, and smoking, the most significant is obesity. One-fifth of colon polyps may be caused by obesity."
Among various cancers, colorectal cancer ranks third in causing deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 153,000 Americans will develop colorectal cancer this year, and 52,000 will die from it.
Family history, smoking, and diet are all related to colorectal cancer, but experts are still searching for the causes of most cases. Using a colonoscope equipped with a miniature camera, not only can colon polyps that have not yet developed cancerous changes be detected, but they can also be removed on the spot to prevent them from turning into cancer.
The research team reviewed the medical records of 1,252 women who underwent colonoscopy, categorizing them by age, smoking history, family history of colorectal cancer, and body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.
They also investigated who had the most colon polyps and who was most likely to develop polyps. Anderson said the study results showed that BMI is the most significant risk factor.
He said, "We must advise the public to pay attention to the importance of weight loss and maintaining a slim figure. Given the increasing number of obese patients in the United States, identifying the high risk of obesity may have a significant impact on disease screening."
He said the reason why obesity is related to colorectal cancer is unknown, but the most likely factors are insulin and insulin-like growth factors. The most severe effect of obesity is the increase in visceral fat, and these people also have higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors.
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