Impact of Obesity Epidemic on Cancer

The epidemic named 'Obesity' has been growing worldwide. With the increase in the number of obese individuals there is also an increase in the number of people suffering from cancer. There has been growing evidence of obesity being a reason for the development of various cancers like breast, endometrial, colorectal, prostate cancer. Not only does obesity play a role in development of these cancers, it also is responsible for poor treatment outcomes and progression of this disease. Early interventions like suitable treatment of the disease along with an effective weight management regime, are usually the plan of cancer treatment and management. The mechanism of obesity causing cancer is yet not understood well but there have been several theories supporting the hypothesis that obesity is a predisposing factor to cancer. One of the mechanisms involve considering adipose tissue as an organ capable of releasing various chemical mediators. This results in overproduction of estradiol from androgens which increases the risk of breast, endometrial, ovarian cancers. Higher BMI often leads to higher production of insulin which further leads to stimulation of normal growth function of insulin and increase of duration if action of insulin like growth factor -1. These increased levels of both insulin and insulin like growth factor-1 result in development if cancers like renal, colon, prostate cancers. The third mechanism involves production of pro-inflammatory adipokines from the adipose tissue like leptin, which cultivates the inflammatory tumour micro environment and hence promotion if cancer development. Evidence supports the role of obesity on development, progression as well as recurrence of various cancers. This global epidemic has been linked with several other chronic illness and so it is crucial to manage it. There have been several approaches for the management of this epidemic like regular exercise, lifestyle modifications and adequate diet. Pharmacological treatment options have also been developed and are available. Surgical management of obesity is another way to manage it. All these approaches indicate that there is a potential to manage and prevent this epidemic from spreading further. Looking towards this positive aspect, it becomes vital to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle and to maintain a normal BMI in order to prevent chronic illnesses, specially cancer.