Does obesity raise my risk of cancer?

The short answer: studies say yes.

The longer answer: obesity is strongly associated with an increase in likelihood of developing certain types of cancers.

A recent study published by the BMJ, a peer-reviewed medical journal, verifies the link between obesity and some cancers. That may not sound like great news, but knowledge is key in terms of prevention.

Many people have linked obesity with a wide variety of cancers. This study aimed to put people’s associations to the test. A total of 36 types of cancers, originally thought to be linked to obesity, were reviewed. 11 of the 36 cancers were strongly correlated with obesity. These 11 cancers are mostly related to organs used for digestions (the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder) and hormone-related malignancies, like prostate and breast cancer.

Some results of the study:

An increasing body mass index is linked to an increased risk of
- Kidney cancer
- Rectal cancer (specific to males)
- Colon cancer (specific to males)
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma
- Biliary tract system cancer
- Endometrial cancer (specific to premenopausal females)
- Multiple myeloma
Increasing body weight is linked to an increased risk of
- Postmenopausal breast cancer (specific to women)
Increasing the waist-to-hip circumference ratio, a measure of the proportions of the fat stored in your waist, hips, and buttocks, is linked to increased risk of
- Endometrial cancer

Obesity has become a public health epidemic that poses terrifying health risks—such as increased risk of many different cancers.

The best prevention is getting your health in check. A knowledge of healthy habits, the right diet and exercise are key to living a happy and healthy life. However, if diet and exercise aren’t enough, you may want to consider bariatric surgery.

Our experienced and highly qualified team is here to answer all of your questions and address your concerns. We offer the Obalon Balloon Capsule, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy), adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®), laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, and more! Let’s talk about your options today. Contact us at 800-633-8446 or at http://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/contact/.

These results of the study referenced in this blog post are based on the analysis of supportive evidence. We encourage you to review the study yourself! Here’s the link: http://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.j477.

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I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Does obesity raise my risk of cancer?

Does obesity raise my risk of cancer?

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