In the impression of many people, cancer patients are often thin and weak, are thin people more susceptible to cancer? But some studies have found that obese people and tall people have a greater risk of cancer......
So what kind of body size/body shape are more likely to develop cancer? Recently, a study covering 330,000 people found that people with these 2 characteristics have a higher risk of cancer!
Photo by Zhang Tao
A study of 330,000 people found that:
People of this size have a higher risk of cancer
In April 2024, a study of nearly 330,000 people, including Asians, Caucasians, and Africans, published in Science Advances, found that different body types were associated with an overall risk of cancer. ①
Of the nearly 330,000 people, most of them are between the ages of 35 and 65. The researchers broadly categorized them into 4 body types based on their body mass index (BMI), height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and hip circumference:
Group 1: Generalized obesity (well-proportioned)
Group 2: Taller with more fat throughout the body
Group 3: Tall, obese (more belly fat)
Group 4: Short stature, high weight and BMI, but thin hip and waist circumference
Screenshot of the study
After 15 years of follow-up, more than 47,000 people developed cancer. Comparing their body analysis, it was found that:
Group 1 (generalized obesity): a 10% increase in overall cancer risk was positively associated with an increased risk of 10 cancers. Including: uterine cancer, esophageal (adeno) cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, myeloma, breast cancer (postmenopausal), colon cancer, rectal cancer.
Group 2 (tall, generalized obesity): 3% increase in overall cancer risk, positively correlated with increased risk of 5 cancers. Including: thyroid cancer, breast cancer, malignant melanoma, brain cancer, central nervous system cancer.
Group 3 (tall, abdominal obesity): overall cancer risk increased by 12%, which was positively correlated with increased risk of 12 cancers. Including: esophageal cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, malignant melanoma, laryngeal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, lung cancer.
Group 4 (short stature, high weight and BMI, thin hip and waist circumference): no increased overall risk of cancer.
Through a large number of analyses, it has been found that the risk of cancer is higher in these two characteristics of the body: a large belly and a tall person.
Why people with big bellies and tall statures
High risk of cancer?
Many people know that obesity leads to an increased risk of cancer, but abdominal obesity with a big belly is more closely related to cancer risk.
"Abdominal obesity" is typically characterized by a large belly, a waist circumference larger than the hip circumference, and thinner limbs. Fat is mainly deposited under the skin in the abdomen, as well as around and inside organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract in the abdomen.
A 2021 study published in BMC Medicine found that the thicker the waist circumference, the greater the risk of cancer. The researchers followed 3.5 million participants for an average of 8.3 years over a long period of time and found that 270,000 participants had cancer. Based on the data of these participants, it was found that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) had a strong correlation with the risk of developing cancer. ②
In 2019, a study of more than 2,000 people in the British Journal of Oncology, an authoritative journal in the field of oncology, also found similar results: the higher the height of both men and women, the higher the relative risk of cancer. ③
Want to reduce your risk of cancer,
Do these things well!
Everyone is afraid of cancer, so how can we reduce the risk of cancer? In 2021, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization published an article pointing out that most cancers may be avoided by persistently doing these few things. ④
1. Don't smoke and try not to drink alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol can be called "catalysts" for cancer. It is a cliché that a cigarette or a sip of alcohol can cause multiple types of cancer and even multiple diseases. And whether it is tobacco or alcohol, the safest dose is "0"! Therefore, if you want to avoid the occurrence of cancer, you must first quit smoking and drinking.
2. Maintain a healthy weight and waist circumference
Fat also causes cancer, especially fat in the stomach is more dangerous! In general, a male waist circumference of more than 85 cm or a female waist circumference of more than 80 cm is pre-abdominal obesity, while a male waist circumference of more than 90 cm or a female waist circumference of more than 85 cm is abdominal obesity.
3. Insist on exercise to create a cancer-inhibiting environment
Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are among the risk factors for cancer. Conversely, increased physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Exercise not only improves overall health, but also creates a "cancer-inhibiting environment" for the body.
Health Times Figure
4. Eat a healthy diet and eat less pro-inflammatory foods
A growing body of research has shown that diet is associated with the risk of developing cancer. Following a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of cancer. Eat less pro-inflammatory foods, such as excessive red meat, processed meat, foods high in sugar, salt, and trans fatty acids.
5. Get enough sleep
Have a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and ensure sufficient sleep. It is recommended that adults should ensure 6~8 hours of sleep every day, and the key is not to stay up late. Also, remember not to sleep at night with the lights on.
6. Sun protection when going out in the sun
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin from UV rays, you should take sun protection measures in your daily life, such as avoiding midday sun exposure, reducing direct sun exposure, and wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors.
7. Regular check-ups for early detection of cancer
At a certain age, there will always be some big and small problems. We found that many of us were around 50 years old when cancer was discovered. According to the analysis of cancer incidence in China from 2003 to 2007 published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology, it can be seen that the incidence of cancer begins to occur after middle age, and the incidence rate rises sharply by the age of 50-60 (5). Therefore, it is very important to have regular physical examinations to detect the signs of cancer in time and contain cancer in the bud.
Source: Health Times WeChat public account (ID: jksb2013)
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