SubscribeObesity Increases Esophageal Cancer Risk
A new Australian study has found that obese people are "six times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than people with healthy weight."
The researchers looked at 800 people with esophageal cancer and compared them to 1600 people who did not suffer from the disease.
Even when the researchers ruled out contributing factors to esophageal cancer such as heavy drinking and smoking, obesity was still found to be a major contributing factor for esophageal cancer risk.
Obesity (in this case) was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
The researchers hypothesized that elevated levels of fat may cause raised levels of both insulin and insulin-like growth factor. Higher levels of these hormones have been found to "stimulate cell growth and inhibit cell death -- conditions that can lead to cancer development".
Another possible cause for the elevated esophageal cancer risk is the strong link between GERD and obesity. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which is a chronic condition that involves the stomach regurgitating its acidic contents back up into the esophagus.
Over time, the stomach contents can cause cellular damage and inflammation to the esophagus lining, which in some cases can eventually lead to esophageal cancer.
GERD symptoms can occur in anyone, whether they have a weight issue or not, so be aware of the symptoms which include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, unexplained cough or tickle in the throat and chest pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then please contact a physician for treatment.
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I would think the GERD has a stronger link to the cancer than anything else. If you think about it, that much acid wearing down your tissues all the time would cause the cells to have to reproduce really fast to repair themselves...and really fast cell division could lead to mistakes in the RNA and mRNA and proteins. That would make sense to me, anyway.
ReplyObesity also increases your risk for breast, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. Losing weight is hard, but it is definately worth it. You'll live a longer, fuller life.
ReplyObese people eat more, make stupider food choices, and therefore suffer from greater indigestion, heartburn and esophageal damage. Obvious, much?
Replymy name is patricia parker and i have gerd . and chronic breathing and acid reflux. now no voice for at least 7-weeks
ReplyThis is very interesting, the kind of information that I find extremely motivating for eating clean, whole foods and exercising regularly.
ReplyBeing active and staying at a healthy weight sorry to say is what will prevent diseases like cancer the absolute most. Exercising is the best thing people can do for there body and hopefully this change starts happening.
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