Does My Weight Impact My Risk for Colon Cancer?
Some of the health issues associated with obesity are obvious – poor cholesterol and blood pressure. Higher risk for diabetes and heart trouble. But did you know that obesity may also increase your risk for colon cancer?
Your weight can impact your risk for colon cancer.
Study Shows Older, Heavy Adults At Risk for Colon Cancer
A new entry in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported on a Netherlands study that followed 120,000 men and women between ages 55-69 for a little over 16 years. Throughout that time, individuals reported body weight, height and measurements. Upon closing the study, researchers reported that the data indicated that older, heavier individuals with a higher BMI had more occurrence of colorectal cancer.
A few interesting facts came from this obesity and colon cancer study:
- Men who were significantly overweight had a 25% higher risk of colon cancer.
- Waist size played a significant role in cancer risk – those with the largest bellies had a 63% higher risk.
- Women with a large waistline had a higher risk of cancer if they exercised less than 30 minutes a day.
- Women with a size 44 pant size who did little exercise had an 83% greater chance of developing cancer when compared to women with smaller waistlines who exercised for more than 90 minutes a day.
(Study summaries provided by AGA’s Today in Medicine bulletin)
How To Prevent Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent and treat. Even if some colon cancers are a result of genetics, cancers in the colon or rectum, if found early, are easily treatable and beatable. By following your recommended plan for colonoscopy, you will lower your risk of disease.
Studies like the obesity and colon cancer study show why it’s important for adults to get regular health screenings, eat a healthy diet and exercise. While some of the indications may be common knowledge, studies like this one coming from the Netherlands prove:
- If you’re age 50 or older, you need a colonoscopy; your colon cancer risk is greater.
- Your waist size can impact your risk of colon cancer.
- Exercise may truly be the “Fountain of Youth” … or at least health. To lower your risk of colon cancer, exercise at least 30 minutes each day.
