New Year's Resolution: Lose Weight and Lower Cancer Risk!

Pancreatic Cancer

Two recent studies significantly correlate weight loss and cancer risk:

The Journal of Clinical Oncology, reported (online 10-21-2013) data from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, from 902 patients, and the association of pancreatic cancer survival and prediagnostic BMI.

Researchers found a significantly higher risk of death from pancreatic cancer for patients with BMI>35 kg/m (obesity) than those with a BMI of less than 25.  It is theorized that chronic alterations in systemic metabolism, associated with obesity, are the reason.

Belly Fat

A study from the Mayo Clinic, reported in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology systematically reviewed and (meta) analyzed the association between belly fat (central adiposity) and esophageal inflammation, metaplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Researchers found that, compared with patients with normal physique, those with increased belly fat (the amount of belly fat was independent from the patient's BMI and also from the existence of gastroesophageal reflux disease {GERD}),  had significantly increased risk of esophageal inflammation, erosion and cancer.

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