Women’s Cancer Risk Is Rising: How Obesity and Hormones Are Fueling the Crisis

Women

play a major role in families and communities, which makes rising cancer risk in women a growing public health concern. According to Dr. Karthik KS, Consultant Surgical Oncology, KMC Hospital, lifestyle factors such as obesity, hormonal imbalance, and physical inactivity are significantly increasing the incidence of several cancers in women.

Obesity and cancer risk in women

Excess body weight has been recognised as a major risk factor for multiple cancers. Studies show that at least 10 per cent of cancers are linked to obesity. “Obesity is associated with a higher incidence of cancers in women. Morbid obesity can increase the chances of endometrial cancer by about seven times and esophageal cancer by five times,” said Dr. Karthik. Women with obesity face a higher risk of:

• Postmenopausal breast cancer
• Endometrial or uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Kidney or renal cell cancer
• Pancreatic and liver cancer
• Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

Morbid obesity can increase the risk of endometrial cancer by nearly seven times and esophageal cancer by five times. Beyond incidence, obesity is also associated with higher cancer-related mortality. “Obesity can also increase the mortality after cancer,” he added.

How does excess fat drive the growth of a tumour?

According to Dr. Karthik, obesity or being overweight can affect your body in several cancer-promoting ways. Excess fat tissue only:

• Increases chronic inflammation
• Raises insulin and insulin-like growth factors
• Creates a pro-tumour environment
• Suppresses immune function

“Obesity also creates an immunosuppressive environment in the body, thus fostering cancer. Hormonal changes, such as higher estrogen arising from the fat, increase the chances of breast and endometrial cancers by several fold. Inactivity and sedentary behavior can promote obesity, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances and thus trigger cancer in the body,” he said. Fat tissue also produces higher levels of estrogen, especially in postmenopausal women. Elevated estrogen significantly increases the risk of breast and uterine cancers. These hormonal changes, combined with inflammation, can promote tumour growth and metastasis.

Can weight loss reduce cancer risk?

The encouraging news is that weight loss reduces cancer risk. According to various studies, even a 5 to 10 per cent reduction in body weight can significantly lower the risk of breast, uterine, and colorectal cancers. “Postmenopausal women who reduced weight with intent could reduce the incidence of breast, uterus, and colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Karthik. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated substantial benefits, reducing the risk of certain cancers by up to 50 per cent in high-risk individuals.Also read: H3N2 Flu Grips Delhi-NCR: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Explained

What role does diet play in preventing cancer?

Adopting a calorie-controlled and balanced diet – loaded with all food groups and major nutrients is one of the most effective cancer prevention strategies. While no single “anti-cancer diet” exists, Dr. Karthik recommends:

• Increasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Reducing processed and high-sugar foods
• Limiting red and processed meat
• Maintaining healthy portion sizes

Exercise is a major protective shield

While regular physical activity plays a powerful preventive role, it is important to move around daily. According to research, you should walk at least 7,500 steps daily and engage in at least three to four hours of moderate exercise every week. Workouts can reduce the risk of certain cancers by up to 25 per cent. Exercise improves hormone regulation, strengthens immunity, and reduces inflammation. To summarize, in a developing world, especially in India, the middle and affluent classes are becoming calorie surplus, which in turn leads to an increased incidence of cancers. When we look for the options and possibilities for decreasing cancers, lifestyle modifications become a very productive and effective way of preventing cancers.