Obesity Increases The Risk For Colorectal Cancer And Polyps

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the Campaign to End Obesity (CEO) are joining forces to highlight the potentially deadly link between higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and colorectal cancer. In light of the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States and the strength of the scientific evidence linking obesity to increased colorectal cancer risk, the two organizations are combining efforts during March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Their goal is to educate the public about obesity as a major risk factor for the second leading cancer killer in the United States and about the importance of colorectal cancer screening in patients with high Body Mass Index.

"Dietary and other modifiable risk factors may account for as many as 90 percent of colorectal cancers, and recent studies suggest that about one-quarter of colorectal cancer cases could be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle," explained ACG President Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, FACG. "Consumers need to understand the link between a higher Body Mass Index and colorectal cancer, take this risk factor seriously, and talk to their doctor about colorectal cancer tests," he added.

"Obesity is the precursor to an array of serious diseases, among them colorectal cancer. With two thirds of adults struggling with being overweight or obese, it is essential people understand their long-term health. Fortunately, we have available many useful and practical tools to help people. Screening is one of the most powerful weapons at-hand for preventing colorectal cancer and obesity. Education around these issues is of utmost importance," said Stephanie Silverman, co-founder of the Campaign to End Obesity.

The association between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer mortality, and type 2 diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer risk, suggests that obesity-induced insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may have a role in the development of colorectal cancer. Based on this and other epidemiologic evidence, the American College of Gastroenterology and the Campaign to End Obesity are committed to providing communities, families, educators and policymakers with the latest information, educational tools and resources to empower them to make informed and timely decisions when it comes to healthy body weight and colorectal cancer prevention strategies.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
Visit our colorectal cancer section for the latest news on this subject. There are no references listed for this article. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

MLA

American College of Gastroenterology. "Obesity Increases The Risk For Colorectal Cancer And Polyps." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 16 Mar. 2012. Web.
17 Mar. 2012. APA

Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.

'Obesity Increases The Risk For Colorectal Cancer And Polyps'

Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.

All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)

Contact Our News Editors

For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.

Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:

Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.