Many studies have linked obesity with colon cancer. Health experts note that being obese, or significantly overweight, increases the risk of colon cancer. And carrying extra pounds makes it more likely that colon cancer will return (recurrence) if you've already had it.
But why does obesity increase risk of colon cancer and its recurrence? What do those extra pounds do that make colon cancer more likely? A new study points to some answers
Getting at the True Connections
Researchers invited 344 colon cancer patients to participate in a study on obesity and survival after colon cancer. They measured each person's height and weight to determine whether or not they fell into the obese category. They also collected blood to analyze for markers of inflammation. This included two substances, called c-reactive protein (CRP and Ang-2.
The researchers found that patients who had the highest amounts of CRP and Ang-2 in their blood were significantly more likely to die of colon cancer. They also noted that CRP blood levels were inversely associated with survival in stage 2 colon cancer patients. What does "inversely associated" mean? It means that the higher the CRP level, the less likely someone is to survive.
Inflammation the Culprit
The study authors concluded that it is obesity-related inflammation, rather than obesity itself, that is linked with poorer survival after a colon cancer diagnosis. The obvious thing most people draw from this is that if you are obese, it may be important to think about aiming for a healthier body weight once you have completed colon cancer treatment. There is no proof that weight loss will translate into better survival, but it's a good place to start.
But even beyond weight, there are many steps a person can take to lower inflammation in the body. If you want to reduce your inflammation levels, get started today!
