"We found that the risk of developing pancreatic cancer was significantly raised in obese postmenopausal women who carry most of their excess weight around the stomach," one researcher said in a statement.
"Obesity is a growing and largely preventable problem, so it's important that women are aware of this major increase in risk."
Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It accounts for only about 2 percent of the cancers diagnosed each year but the first-year survival rate is less than 5 percent, according to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Until now, smoking and chronic pancreatitis were the most well established risk factors for the disease in men and women, with much of the evidence also pointing to a stronger obesity link for men.
They found that 251 women developed the disease, and of these, 78 had the highest waist-to-hip ratios. After factoring in other risk factors, this was 70 percent more than the 34 women with the lowest excess stomach weight who got pancreatic cancer.
Several studies have shown that obesity raises the risk of several types of cancer including breast and colon as well as heart disease and other conditions.
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"Obesity is a growing and largely preventable problem, so it's important that women are aware of this major increase in risk."
ReplyDeleteInteresting that they feel it is preventable, if it was wouldn't there be fewer obese people? As a person who has been obese her entire life, and has tried numerous weight loss plans, I think that statement alone discredits the article!
I hope I have found the answer to my weight issues, but in America, with the highly modified and processed foods that make up the bulk of our diet, I have to disagree that it is a preventable disease--at least not without a great deal of education and an unlimited budget!
TM
yet another reason why we should keep our weight down as we age. Great article Robin!
ReplyDeleteTM - I understand your reaction to this study or the words they choose. It does take a lot of education about what is called food today. Maybe instead of the studies pointing at weight causing health issues the researchers could put the time and money into helping people learn to eat healthy and really help them lose the weight.
ReplyDeleteChris - Yes this is another reason to keep weight down but like TM stated this is not always easy. We do what we can.
Robin
TM - One more thing about your comment. There is so much conflicting info about why people are overweight - even the Surgeon General has it wrong. It might be preventable but not easy with the junk food we find in the stores. The same food that the USDA and FDA have approved for us to eat. Yes the researchers and our Government are going backwards instead of working for us.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Interesting. Another reason to exercise and eat right. I think this country is getting less diligent about exercise. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteFeeling Outstanding - I don't think so many people are overweight because they don't exercise enough. Of course that could be a factor. It's more about the food available to us. I've seen and known plenty of super active overweight people and also thin couch potatoes. It's much more than exercise.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and leaving the thoughtful comments.
Robin