Overweight, obesity and cancer: epidemiological evidence and proposed mechanisms

EE Calle, R Kaaks - Nature Reviews Cancer, 2004 - nature.com
EE Calle, R Kaaks
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2004nature.com
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing globally. Epidemiological studies have
associated obesity with a range of cancer types, although the mechanisms by which obesity
induces or promotes tumorigenesis vary by cancer site. These include insulin resistance and
resultant chronic hyperinsulinaemia, increased bioavailability of steroid hormones and
localized inflammation. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between obesity
and cancer can provide new insight into mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis.
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing globally. Epidemiological studies have associated obesity with a range of cancer types, although the mechanisms by which obesity induces or promotes tumorigenesis vary by cancer site. These include insulin resistance and resultant chronic hyperinsulinaemia, increased bioavailability of steroid hormones and localized inflammation. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between obesity and cancer can provide new insight into mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis.
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