Obesity Linked to Womb Cancer
WLR dietitian reports on new research which reveals that
women who carry excess weight are much more likely to develop
endometrial cancer. Losing weight will reduce the risk.
Weighty Waistlines Linked to Womb Cancer
By WLR Dietitian
New research reveals that women with a waist measurement of
34 inches or more are twice as likely to develop cancer of the
womb than women whose waist measurements are below 31 inches.
The study, part funded by Cancer Research UK and the Medical
Research Council, analysed data from 223,000 women in 10
European countries. It also found that the risk of endometrial
cancer (lining of the womb) almost doubled in women who had put
on more than 44lb since the age of 20. Similarly, the risk of
this cancer almost doubled in those women with a BMI of 30 or
more compared to those with a BMI of 19-25.
Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer
information, said, “The results of this study confirm that women
carrying excess weight are much more likely to develop
endometrial cancer than those women who are a normal weight.”
WLR says:
Experts have known for some time that there’s a link between
obesity and cancer but this research adds evidence that
overweight women are specifically at a much greater risk of
endometrial cancer.
This study provides yet more proof that maintaining a healthy
weight for our height helps to prevent many different diseases.
The good news is, losing weight will reduce our risk. So if
you’re struggling to shift those pounds, use this piece of
research to help remind you why you want to lose weight in the
first place.
More Information
www.cancerresearchuk.org
The site gives answers to some of the general questions being
asked about womb cancer. This can also be called cancer of the
uterus (uterine cancer) or cancer of the endometrium
(endometrial cancer).
www.mrc.ac.uk
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a publicly-funded
organisation dedicated to improving human health. The Council
support research across the entire spectrum of medical sciences. |
