Daijiworld Media Network- San Francisco

San Francisco, Jul 17: A recent study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco has raised serious concerns about the growing link between obesity and cancer in the United States. Data spanning two decades reveals that cancer deaths associated with obesity have more than tripled — from 3.73 to 13.52 per million between 1999 and 2020.

Health experts say the steep rise is particularly alarming among women, senior citizens, Native American communities, and residents of rural areas — populations often hit hardest by poor healthcare access and economic disparities. Researchers are now urging stronger prevention strategies, early cancer screenings, and equitable access to medical services to address the alarming trend.

Obesity is now widely acknowledged as a major risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer — including postmenopausal breast cancer, colon, liver, pancreas, uterus, gallbladder, thyroid, and even brain cancers. Medical professionals explain that excess body fat leads to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and immune suppression — all of which can fuel cancer growth. Insulin resistance and elevated estrogen levels in obese individuals further increase vulnerability.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects over 40% of American adults. It is also estimated to be linked to nearly 40% of all newly diagnosed cancers annually. The risk increases significantly with both the severity and duration of obesity.

Geographically, the study found that Midwestern states reported the highest number of obesity-linked cancer deaths, with Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma recording the worst outcomes. In contrast, states like Utah, Alabama, and Virginia showed comparatively lower rates.

Medical experts attribute the rising cancer toll to a combination of factors: high consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, growing obesity rates, and limited preventive healthcare, especially in underserved regions. Despite medical advances in cancer treatment, the role of preventable lifestyle factors remains under-emphasized in public health initiatives.

Public health professionals now stress the importance of proactive measures to tackle the crisis. Recommendations include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular physical activity

• Avoiding processed foods and sugary beverages

• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

• Undergoing regular cancer screenings for high-risk individuals

• Seeking medical advice for weight management, particularly in rural and low-income areas

Experts also note that emerging therapies — including anti-obesity medications and behavioral interventions — offer promise. However, they insist that meaningful progress can only come through long-term changes in food policy, healthcare access, and public education.