New Research: Obesity significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer

Another scientific testimony to link cancer and obesity: a study that included nearly a quarter of a million people found that obesity significantly increases the risk of colon cancer, one of the most common crabs in Israel and around the world. The study is published in the shadow of the month of illness.

Obesity has become a global epidemic, with over 2.5 billion overweight adults and 890 million suffering from significant obesity in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. At the same time, colorectal cancer is the third cancer in the world and the second reason for cancer -related mortality, both in Israel. According to the Cancer War Association, during 2024, some 3,100 women and men were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 1,200 died of the disease-over three people a day. A new study published in the journal Current Diabates Reports – sheds light on the complex relationship between these two diseases.

“The study shows a clear connection between obesity and an increase in the risk of developing colorectal cancer,” Dr. Shlomo Levkowitz, chairman of the “prevention and dealing with colorectal cancer.” “Obesity not only increases the risk of getting sick, but also affects the effectiveness of treatments and the risk of post -operative complications. However, there is also a positive aspect – the risk factor is not genetic, but in control of each of us. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle and performing preventive medicine tests – may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer dramatically. ”

The review, conducted by researchers at the University of California, concluded findings from a number of large meta-analysis on the subject. A widespread meta-analysis included and a data from more than 240,000 participants and found that people with obesity are at 1.88, almost twice as high, to apply colorectal cancer, compared to people weighing proper weight.

Obesity at a young age even more affects the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found that obesity at the age of 20 increased the risk of colorectal cancer 3.29, while obesity at the age of 30 increased the risk – 2.15 times.
The relationship between obesity and cancer is not limited to the body mass index (BMI). Another meta-analysis-included in research and 30 studies and over 66,000 participants-found that other obesity metrics, including abdominal fat and conditional-lipped ratio, are also related to an increase in colorectal cancer.

The biochemical mechanisms that link the obesity and colorectal cancer are still completely understood, but the researchers offer a number of possible explanations. They emphasize that fat tissue is not just a passive energy reservoir. It is actually an active endocrine organ that secretes hormones and inflammatory factors that may affect cancer development. Therefore, excess fat can create ongoing inflammation in the body, which can cause changes in cells – and lead to the development of cancer.

In the meantime, obesity affects the microbiome in the intestine – the population of the gastrointestinal bacteria. The study indicates that changes in the intestinal microbiome were found in both people with obesity and colorectal cancer patients. A potential explanation is that a decrease in a variety of bacteria – impairs the natural protection of the intestine and encourages chronic inflammation, which, as mentioned, increases the risk of disease.
Beyond the pre -increased risk of cancer, obesity affects both the effectiveness of its treatment and clinical results. A comprehensive meta-analysis in the study, which analyzed thousands of patients, found that patients with obesity suffering from colorectal cancer are at higher risk of mortality for any reason (relative risk 1.14), a specific cancer mortality (Risk 1.50) and the recurrence of the disease (Risk 1.07).

A systematic meta-analysis included in the review found that bariatricacles (“shortening”) have reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 44%. Another interesting finding is that the bariatric surgery in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer is maintained over time, with studies with a surveillance of up to 20 years observed a consistent reduction. The effect of weight loss injections was not examined in the present study.

Alongside the new study on the relationship between obesity and cancer, Dr. Levkowitz emphasizes the importance of prevention and early discovery of colorectal cancer. About 3,000 patients are diagnosed in Israel each year. Unfortunately, in many cases the diagnosis comes in advanced stages of the disease due to lack of awareness of early symptoms and responding to the survey tests – covert blood in stool and colonoscopy.

And these are the warning signs of colorectal cancer:
● Blood in feces or toilet paper: Repeated or ongoing bleeding requires a medical examination.
● Change in exit habits: new constipation or diarrhea, or change in the form and thickness of the stool.
● Abdominal pain: Especially stubborn pain that does not pass or aggravate over time.
● Exceptional fatigue (anemia): Unexplained fatigue that can be a sign of anemia, which sometimes causes covert bleeding in the gut.
● Unexplained weight loss: weight loss without diet or increased exercise.