For example, while studies have found that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women after menopause, it does not seem to increase the risk of breast cancer before menopause. The links between body weight and cancer are complex and are not yet fully understood. The ability of cancer cells to spread (metastasize).Other factors that regulate cell growth, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Levels of certain hormones, such as insulin and estrogen, which can fuel cell growth.Cells' ability to live longer than they normally would.Excess body fat might increase cancer risk by affecting: Why does excess body weight increase the risk of cancer?Įxcess body weight may affect cancer risk in a number of ways, some of which might be specific to certain cancer types. For example, excess body weight is thought to be a factor in more than half of all endometrial cancers, whereas it is linked to a smaller portion of other cancers. The link to body weight is stronger for some cancers than for others. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box.Meningioma (a tumor of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)īeing overweight or obese might also raise the risk of other cancers, such as:.Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).Breast cancer (in women past menopause).What types of cancer are linked with excess body weight?īeing overweight or obese is clearly linked with an increased risk of many types of cancer, including:

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