Obesity And Cancer
There is a direct association between body weight and the risk of certain cancers (breast, colon and rectum, and the inner lining of the uterus – called the endometrium, among others).
Obesity is accompanied by a series of changes in the body, mainly chemical signals circulating in the blood (hormones and other substances called “growth factors”), which favor the development of tumors.
Obesity could be a “marker” of exposure to carcinogens in the diet, linked to the consumption of fat, especially animal fat.
Being fat the “vehicle” that can absorb other fatty substances in the gut, eating a diet rich in those favor the incorporation of carcinogens in the diet. Most carcinogens are either fat conveys.
Fat intake increases the secretion of bile salts, and these could play a role in malignant transformation of the digestive tract.
In the fatty tissue biochemical reactions occur that activate cancer-promoting substances. That is absolutely true for the conversion between sex hormones, which occurs in body fat – among other tissues. Currently, hormonal treatment of breast cancer includes oral medications, well tolerated, which block some of these reactions.
In the case of breast cancer and endometrial cancer is that obese women often have levels of female hormone (estrogen – in particular, estradiol) elevated in the blood than non-obese, and it is known that this hormone plays an important role in promoting the development of these tumors.
In obese women with breast cancer has been found elevated levels of IGF-1, a “growth factor” related to insulin. This factor can promote tumor development, at least, that of breast cancer cells. Indeed, both insulin and IGF-1 are secreted into the blood in response to ingestion of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates.
Regular physical exercise of moderate intensity, reduces the risk of breast cancer. There is no downside to recommend a moderate exercise program, supervised, to women seeking to maintain good health.
Indeed, a moderate level of exercise gives benefits to the skeleton (prevents osteoporosis), the circulatory system (reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack), and offers a decreased risk of breast cancer. It is important not to take this comment out of proportion, because there are risks: very intense exercise is more likely to cause damage in knees and ankles, and in extreme cases (eg, professional athletes) can cause menstrual cycle irregularities. It also requires a medical evaluation to know how much exercise is safe for everyone. Many people can walk briskly without serious inconvenience, and include this exercise into your daily routine.