The Link Between Obesity and Cancer: Could Weight Loss Surgery Help Reduce Your Risk?

You’ve probably heard that obesity is linked to various chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis, but did you know that obesity is also linked to an increased risk of some cancers?

The Cancer Council estimate that in Australia, being overweight or obese may cause almost 5300 cancer cases every year.

According to reports, obesity could soon pass smoking as the greatest cause of preventable cancers.

It's a concerning connection, but the good news is, there's hope for those facing obesity. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, has shown promising results not only in helping people shed excess weight but also in reducing the risk of cancer.

Here we explore the connection between obesity and cancer and discuss how weight loss surgery may play a role in reducing this risk.

Obesity and Cancer: Can Obesity Cause Cancer?

There are 13 different types of cancer which are more common in those living above the healthy weight range. These cancers include cancers of the oesophagus, liver, breast, ovaries, uterus, thyroid, gallbladder, bowel, kidney, meningioma, gastric cardia, pancreas, and multiple myeloma.

How does being above the healthy weight range contribute to cancer risk you ask?

To understand, we should first discuss what cancer is.

Cancer is a disease of your body’s cells. Every day, your cells are constantly reproducing and regenerating as part of your body's normal functioning. If this process becomes abnormal, your cells may not divide correctly. These abnormal cells could become the early stage of cancer.

So, what does excess body fat have to do with that?

Excess body fat can increase the levels of harmful chemicals and hormones which are released into your body’s circulation. Excess fat can also lead to inflammation which could cause stress and damage to your cells. These conditions can increase the chance of your cells dividing abnormally, and as discussed, the production of these abnormal cells can increase your risk of cancer developing.

Weight Loss Surgery and Cancer: How Could Bariatric Surgery Help Reduce Cancer Risk?

According to several studies, bariatric surgery, as a weight loss intervention, may help to reduce your cancer risk.

While more research is needed to fully understand how weight loss surgery could decrease cancer risk, here are a few ways weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery might help:

Firstly, and most obviously, weight loss. By reducing the amount of excess body fat you’re carrying, the levels of harmful chemicals and hormones that were being released into your body, by that fat, may also be reduced. This reduction in harmful chemicals and hormones could create an environment that’s less conducive to promoting cancer growth compared to your pre-surgery state.

Another beneficial environmental change is reduced inflammation. The weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery may help to decrease inflammation in your body that was caused by excess fat, potentially reducing your overall cancer risk.

Also, the weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery may support hormonal regulation and contribute to decreased risk of certain hormone-related cancers like breast and uterine cancer.

It's important to note that while bariatric surgery shows promise in reducing cancer risk, it should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, along with appropriate cancer screenings and follow-up care, is crucial for long-term success in reducing cancer risk.

How Can Dr Lockie Help?

Dr Lockie and his team are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

If you're considering bariatric surgery and want to explore how it could contribute to reducing your risk of cancer, Dr Phil Lockie and his team can provide you with personalised guidance and support.

We invite you to book a free initial consultation today to learn more about how bariatric surgery could help you. Together, we can explore the possibilities and embark on a journey towards a healthier future.

*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Dr Phil Lockie can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment is right for you. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

References

American Cancer Society. (2020). Does Body Weight Affect Cancer Risk? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/

Cancer Council NSW. (2015). You Hold The Cards To Reducing Your Cancer Risk. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/1in3cancers/lifestyle-choices-and-cancer/overweight-obesity-and-cancer/

Cancer Council Victoria. (2023). Weight And Cancer: What Is The Link? https://www.cancervic.org.au/healthyweight/obesity-and-cancer-what-is-the-link

National Cancer Institute. (2022). Bariatric Surgery May Reduce the Risk of Some Common Cancers. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/bariatric-surgery-reduces-cancer-risk

National Cancer Institute. (2022). Obesity and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet#how-might-obesity-increase-the-risk-of-cancer

World Health Organisation. (2022). Obesity Causes Cancer And Is Major Determinant Of Disability And Death, Warns New WHO Report. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/03-05-2022-obesity-causes-cancer-and-is-major-determinant-of-disability-and-death--warns-new-who-report