Obesity is a growing epidemic throughout the world, with over 34% of the world’s population categorized as overweight or obese. While obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, it is also a leading cause of many types of cancer.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the 13 types of obesity-related cancers.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.

Recent studies have shown that women with a BMI of 30 or higher have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, and the risk for postmenopausal women with a BMI over 35 is 56% higher than those with a BMI under 25.

Liver Cancer

The development of liver cancer is highly correlated with obesity, with the risk increasing by up to 89% for people with a BMI over 35.

This type of cancer is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which refers to a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is linked strongly to obesity, with studies showing that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 30% to 60%.

This type of cancer is particularly dangerous as it doesn’t present any symptoms until the cancer has already advanced.

Pancreatic Cancer

Obesity is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer, with studies finding that people who are obese have a 20% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who are not.

This type of cancer is often deadly as it is difficult to detect until it has already spread to other parts of the body.

Kidney Cancer

Obesity is a known risk factor for kidney cancer, with studies finding that those with a BMI over 30 have a 40% higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Kidney cancer is often asymptomatic until the cancer has already progressed, making early detection critical for successful treatment.

Ovarian Cancer

A study showed that women who were overweight or obese had a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is also believed that obesity may affect the progression of ovarian cancer and worsen its prognosis.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, or cancer of the lining of the uterus, is strongly linked with obesity. Studies have found that women with a BMI of 30 or higher have a 4 times higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Gastric Cancer

Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for gastric cancer, with studies showing that those with a BMI over 30 have a 50% higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

This type of cancer is often asymptomatic until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

Esophageal Cancer

Obesity is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer, with studies finding that those with a BMI over 35 have a 200% higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

This type of cancer often presents mild symptoms in its early stages, including difficulty swallowing or heartburn.

Thyroid Cancer

Recent studies have suggested that obesity may be a risk factor for thyroid cancer, with those who are overweight or obese having an increased risk of developing certain types of thyroid cancer.

Studies have also suggested that obesity may exacerbate the prognosis of thyroid cancer.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells of the blood. Obesity is a known risk factor for multiple myeloma, with studies finding that those with a BMI over 30 have a 33% higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Recent studies have suggested that obesity is a risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with those who are overweight or obese having an increased risk of developing this type of cancer.

Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the pancreas.

Recent studies have suggested that obesity may be a risk factor for pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, with those who have a higher BMI being at increased risk for developing this type of cancer.