Obesity is linked to 4 major cancers! Oncology experts reveal 2 major reasons: abnormal fat metabolism
Breast cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer are all related! Why does obesity cause cancer?
The latest research from “The Lancet” pointed out that up to 45% of cancer deaths in 2019 were related to preventable risks, and named “obesity” as an important factor in acquired cancer. Dr. Ji Kuanghua, director of the Oncology Treatment Department of Shin Kong Wu Huoshi Memorial Hospital, said in an interview with “healthorn” that statistics show that obesity is highly correlated with various cancers, such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, showing that obese people are indeed more likely to develop cancer.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua explained that there are two main reasons why obesity affects cancer risk. First, obese people are in a state of abnormal fat metabolism, and the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids is related to tumor occurrence. In addition, from a molecular biological perspective, many cancers have obese cells on the tumor surface that provide inflammatory substances. Studies have found that cancer is more likely to develop around fat tissue. Abnormal leptin metabolism has also been detected in some obese patients with cancer.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua said that overall, most of the factors that affect the risk of cancer are acquired, with congenital factors accounting for about 5-10%, infection-related (HCV, HPV) accounting for about 30%, and the rest are acquired factors, such as diet, hormones, and carcinogenesis. The combined results of substance exposure, obesity, smoking, and drinking, all kinds of bad habits.
Is diabetes a precursor to cancer? Does insulin stimulate cancer growth?
According to statistics on causes of death in Taiwan released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2021, long-term observation shows that the rankings of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer continue to rise. Dr. Ji Kuanghua pointed out that these three types of cancer are related to diet and exposure to carcinogens. Diabetes and obesity are common risk factors for these cancers. People with diabetes are especially reminded that the risk of developing various cancers will increase.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua explained that cancer cells are stimulated by insulin. When the body’s insulin resistance is insensitive, insulin will be secreted in large quantities, prompting cancer cells to absorb energy such as glucose, which will lead to cancer growth. This is a popular saying, “Eating sugar will grow cancer cells.” “The principle is actually a problem with insulin resistance.
Due to the fatigue of insulin receptors, diabetes symptoms will occur when insulin is secreted more and more. Dr. Ji Kuanghua reminds that if you have no history of diabetes in the past, you must be especially careful if severe diabetes suddenly occurs after middle age, especially if you are known as the “King of Cancer” Pancreatic cancer will directly affect insulin function and may cause abnormal insulin secretion. If similar situations occur, pancreatic ultrasound and computed tomography examinations should be performed as soon as possible.
How to do cancer screening? If you have liver B or C, you must have regular ultrasounds
Cancer screening is an important tool for preventing and early detecting cancer. Dr. Ji Kuanghua said that if Taiwanese people do not understand their own cancer risks, they can regularly receive free four-cancer screenings provided by the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration: cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer. Cancer and mammography examinations can help reduce the incidence. If you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, you must have an ultrasound examination every six months to avoid missing the opportunity to detect liver cancer early.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua pointed out that the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are among the top ten cancers. It is recommended that high-risk groups undergo regular low-dose computed tomography examinations after the age of 50. Since lung cancer has no symptoms in its early stages and has no risk factors or family history, it is recommended to undergo lung cancer-related examinations every 2-3 years.
Do you have any concerns about radiation during positron examination? When does cancer screening have the highest CP value?
Dr. Ji Kuanghua said that cancer screening tools have been quite advanced. For example, PET scans can be used for whole-body scans, and can be used for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, Melanoma, thyroid cancer and cervical cancer. In addition to detecting abnormalities early, inspection steps can also be saved.
Some people are worried that they will be exposed to high amounts of radiation when undergoing positron scans and other examinations. Dr. Ji Kuanghua explained that the role of positron scans is to screen for early detection. Compared with those who find cancer too late, they may face a hundred or a thousand times more radiation from radiotherapy. The radiation dose of positron scans is The risk is very low, and one examination can ensure your physical condition for about six months to one year. People can discuss examination methods with their doctors based on their own circumstances.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua pointed out that on average, the chance of developing cancer in an adult’s lifetime is about one-quarter. If you do not develop cancer before the age of 55, you can expect that the risk of developing cancer will increase relatively between the ages of 56 and 75. During this period, intensive health check-ups are required. With cancer screening, there is a chance of early detection of cancer, and treatment and prognosis are greatly improved. It can be said that this is the age group with the highest CP value of cancer screening.
Dr. Ji Kuanghua reminded that the most important keys to preventing cancer are still a balanced diet, moderate exercise, weight control, and not smoking or drinking. Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and increase your fiber intake. Relevant studies have also found that low-dose aspirin can prevent cancer. You can discuss with your doctor or nutritionist about dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of cancer as early as possible.
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