Overweight, obesity, and cancer in men
Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of several different types of cancer. These include colorectal cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and oesophageal cancer. In men, obesity is also linked to an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.
These associations may be partly explained by several biological mechanisms, including insulin resistance, changes in hormone levels, and chronic low-grade inflammation. The level of risk varies between different types of cancer and is also influenced by factors such as age, family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors.
How does obesity affect cancer risk?
There isn't a single explanation for the link between obesity and cancer. Fat tissue is biologically active and can influence sex hormones, insulin and other growth signals, as well as inflammatory processes. These changes are among the mechanisms researchers are studying to better understand why obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.
How are obesity and prostate cancer linked?
The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer is complex. Obesity doesn't necessarily increase the overall risk of developing prostate cancer, but a higher amount of body fat is associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.
The reasons for this link aren't yet fully understood. Researchers are investigating several possible mechanisms, including insulin resistance, altered insulin and growth signalling, chronic low-grade inflammation, and changes in sex hormone levels.
What role does abdominal fat play?
Men tend to store a greater proportion of fat around the abdomen than women before menopause. A high amount of visceral fat, the fat surrounding the organs in the abdominal cavity, is associated with insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation.
With insulin resistance, the body often needs to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range. High insulin levels and changes in the body's growth signalling pathways may influence the processes that regulate how cells grow and divide.
These changes may help explain the link between obesity and certain types of cancer. However, cancer development is a complex process influenced by many factors, and having abdominal obesity or insulin resistance doesn't mean that cancer will develop.
Can weight loss affect cancer risk?
Research suggests that intentional weight loss in people living with overweight or obesity may be associated with a reduced risk of certain obesity-related cancers. However, it's still unclear how much the risk changes for individual cancers, including several cancers that are particularly relevant to men.
At the same time, weight loss may improve several of the metabolic changes associated with obesity, including insulin resistance.
Frequently asked questions about obesity and cancer in men
Can overweight and obesity increase the risk of cancer?
Yes. Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer. The degree of increased risk varies between different cancers and from person to person.
How might obesity be linked to an increased risk of cancer?
Cancer develops through a complex interaction of many different factors. Fat tissue is biologically active and can affect hormone balance, insulin regulation, and inflammatory processes. These changes may partly explain the increased risk of certain cancers in people living with obesity.
Can weight loss reduce my risk of cancer?
Research suggests that intentional weight loss in people living with overweight or obesity may be associated with a reduced risk of certain obesity-related cancers. Weight loss may also improve several metabolic changes associated with obesity. However, it's difficult to predict how much an individual's cancer risk will change, as this varies between different cancer types and individuals.
What can I do to reduce my risk of cancer?
No single action can prevent all cancers, but many risk factors can be influenced. Not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and preventing or treating overweight and obesity may help reduce the risk of several cancers. It's also important to take part in recommended cancer screening programmes where eligible.
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