Overweight, obesity and cancer in women
Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. In women, the association is particularly relevant for endometrial (uterine) cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer, but the risk of colorectal, kidney and pancreatic cancer is also higher. Several biological mechanisms may contribute to this association, although cancer risk is influenced by many other factors as well.
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How can obesity affect the risk of cancer?
Body fat is biologically active and influences hormones, metabolism and inflammatory processes throughout the body. In obesity, changes in these systems may partly explain the increased risk of certain cancers.
Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to higher insulin levels and changes in other growth-signalling pathways. These signals are involved in regulating cell growth and survival.
Fat tissue also produces signalling molecules known as adipokines. In obesity, both the function of fat tissue and the balance of these molecules change. At the same time, obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Together, these changes may affect the processes that regulate cell growth and function and may partly explain the link between obesity and cancer.
The mechanisms involved vary between different types of cancer, and several factors are likely to interact. In women, the links with endometrial cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer are particularly important and are described in more detail below.
Obesity and breast cancer after the menopause
The relationship between body weight and breast cancer differs before and after the menopause. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer after the menopause, particularly oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
One important explanation involves oestrogen. Before the menopause, most oestrogen is produced by the ovaries. After the menopause, this production decreases significantly, and oestrogen produced in body fat becomes more important. Having more body fat may therefore lead to higher oestrogen levels after the menopause. Oestrogen influences the growth and division of breast tissue cells, and increased exposure to oestrogen is thought to be one of the mechanisms linking obesity to oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer after the menopause.
Obesity and endometrial cancer
Oestrogen stimulates the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium). Long-term exposure to oestrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. In obesity, increased oestrogen production in fat tissue may contribute to greater oestrogen exposure and is thought to be one of several mechanisms behind the increased risk.
Can weight loss affect the risk of cancer?
For people living with overweight or obesity, weight loss can improve several aspects of metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity and chronic low-grade inflammation. Research also suggests that intentional weight loss may be associated with a reduced risk of some obesity-related cancers, although the strength of the evidence varies between different cancer types.
Frequently asked questions about overweight, obesity and cancer
Which cancers are associated with obesity in women?
Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of several cancers. In women, these include endometrial cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer. There are also links with colorectal, kidney and pancreatic cancer.
Why does obesity increase the risk of breast cancer after the menopause?
Several biological mechanisms may explain the association between obesity and an increased risk of breast cancer after the menopause. After the menopause, the ovaries produce much less oestrogen, making oestrogen production in fat tissue more important. Having more body fat may therefore increase exposure to oestrogen. Insulin resistance and inflammatory processes may also play a role.
Does obesity mean that I will develop cancer?
No. Obesity does not mean that you will develop cancer, but it is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. Cancer develops through a complex interaction of many factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental influences.
Can weight loss reduce the risk of cancer?
Research suggests that intentional weight loss in people living with overweight or obesity may be associated with a reduced risk of some obesity-related cancers. However, the evidence varies between different cancer types, and it is not possible to predict how much an individual's cancer risk will change following a certain amount of weight loss.
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