Research shows nearly half of all cancer cases are linked to obesity

Recent research has shown that nearly half of all cancer cases are linked to obesity, making it crucial to stay in shape by exercising and regulating your diet. The research by Sweden's Lund University saw4.1 million participantswhoweremonitoredfor about 40 years, with close check ontheir weight and lifestyle, The Telegraph reported on Friday (May 10). Over the period,more than 332,000 cases of cancer were identified.

The report said that in 40 per cent of these cases,there appeared to be a link between excess weight and the development of cancer. In total, researchers at the university found 32 types of cancer with an obesity link. The report added that previously,international research identified 13 types of cancer linked to obesity.

Thefindings of the researchwill bepresentedat the European Congress on Obesity in Venice.

'Important public health implications'

Researchers said that the study's findings have important public health implications.

"Established obesity-related cancers accounted for 25 per cent of all cancer cases in this study, and the proportion increased to 40 per cent whenpotential obesity-related cancers were added," the researchers said,adding,thatasubstantial proportion of cancers could potentially be preventedby keepinga normalweight.

Professor Jason Halford, president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), told the publication that the study was astrong, large-scale analysis.

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"As always, more researchis neededbutit reveals what many studying the links between cancer and obesity havesuspected;that obesity is likely to be a risk factor for many more types of cancer than we had evidence for before," Professor Halford added.

(With inputs from agencies)