Why does obesity easily lead to cancer?

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, Central Military Hospital 108, obesity increases the risk of cancer through many complex mechanisms related to internal changes. secretion, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders.

Here are the main reasons why obesity can lead to cancer:

Increases levels of hormones and growth factors

Estrogen

Excess fat, especially belly fat, has the ability to produce estrogen. In postmenopausal women, fat is the main source of estrogen, and high levels of this hormone are associated with breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Insulin and IGF-1

Obesity is often accompanied by increased insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Both of these hormones can promote cell growth and division, increasing the risk of cancer cells forming.

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Another hormone, leptin, is produced by excess fat and can stimulate cell growth. High leptin levels in obese bodies are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Chronic inflammation

Systemic inflammation

Excess fat releases inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP. Chronic inflammation can damage cell DNA and create an environment favorable to the growth of cancer cells.

Oxidative stress

Chronic inflammation related to obesity can increase levels of oxidative stress, a process that can cause DNA damage and promote the development of cancer.

Metabolic disorders

Blood lipid disorders

Obesity can lead to increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, both of which can cause changes in cell structure and function, increasing the risk of cancer.

Increased blood sugar

Obesity is often associated with increased blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar levels can create an environment that nurtures cancer cells, especially in cancers such as colon and pancreatic cancer.

Immune dysfunction

Impaired immune function

Obesity can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. This may increase the risk of developing and spreading cancer.

Changes in immune cells

Obesity can affect the distribution and function of immune cells such as T cells and macrophages, creating favorable conditions for cancer development.

Cell signaling disorders

Changes in cell signaling

Obesity can cause changes in cell signaling pathways involved in cell growth, reproduction, and natural death. This change can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors.

Enhance cell division

Obesity-related hormones and growth factors can stimulate cell division, increasing the risk of mutation and cancerous cell growth.

Increased risk of fibrosis and tissue changes

Tissue fibrosis

Excess fat can lead to tissue fibrosis, increasing the risk of developing tumors in organs such as the liver and pancreas.

Changes in tissue structure

Obesity can change the structure of tissue, increasing the risk of cancerous tumors.

Affects intestinal bacteria

Obesity can cause intestinal bacterial imbalance (dysbiosis), facilitating the growth of inflammatory bacteria and increasing the risk of colon cancer.

Increased risk of DNA damage

Oxidation of stress

Obesity increases levels of oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage, an important factor in the development of cancer.

Free radicals

Free radicals produced during inflammation and oxidative stress can cause DNA mutations, thereby increasing the risk of cancer cell development.

Maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle is necessary to reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers.