Obesity as a Cause of Cancer

According to the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts and Figures 2013, obesity is the second most common risk factor for cancer, after the use of tobacco products.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to classify body weight, and these are the latest statistics:

• Between the years of 2009 and 2010, 16.9% of children and adolescents, as well as 35.7% of adults in the United States were classified as obese
• Childhood obesity, between the ages of 6 and 11, has more than doubled, from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2010
• Adolescent obesity, between the ages of 12 and 19, was 5% in 1980 and 18% in 2010
• Adult obesity, between ages 20 and 74, was 15% in 1980 and 36% in 2010

The link between obesity and cancer is believed to be that fat cells produce cytokines and the immune system response to that creates an inflammatory environment that enhances tumor growth.  The American Cancer Society believes that much of this is preventable, and recommended guidelines for both exercise and diet can be found at www.cancer.org

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309