Obesity and cancer: the growth of the disease in obese people

The development of breast cancer and other types of cancer is more common in obese people. Obesity is considered one of the biggest threats to public health in Brazil and around the world, affecting approximately 41 million people in the country. This number is represented by approximately 26% of the population, […]

The development of breast cancer and other types of cancer is more common in obese people

Obesity is considered one of the biggest threats to public health in Brazil and around the world, affecting approximately 41 million people in the country. This number is represented by approximately 26% of the population, according to recent data. And the projections are even more alarming! According to the World Obesity Federation (WOF), by 2035, 41% of Brazilians will be obese, which reinforces the need to discuss the impacts of this chronic disease.

Obesity: a gateway to cancer

Among the real risks linked to being overweight, the relationship with cancer is one of the most worrying. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that 10 million people die every year due to different types of malignant tumors.

Nutritionist Dr. Andrea Pereira, co-founder of the NGO Obesidade Brasil, emphasizes that professional help is the most effective way to treat obesity, since it must be done in a multidisciplinary way and includes several fronts, such as regular physical activity. , nutritional re-education, psychological support, drugs and bariatric surgery.

“Excess weight, in addition to being associated with numerous other health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, gout, headaches, increased cholesterol, overload of the bone and joint system, also leads to a worse response to the treatment of these tumors, more cases of mortality, complications and greater toxicity”, explains the specialist.

Cancer in Brazil

Studies by the National Cancer Institute (INCA) indicate that excess weight is a major risk factor for developing 13 types of cancer. Among these is breast cancer, which is among the most diagnosed in the country. The five most common cancers in the country are breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and skin.

The risk of cancer and obesity

In addition to breast cancer, other cancers associated with obesity are those of the esophagus (adenocarcinoma), stomach (cardias), pancreas, gallbladder, liver, intestine (colon and rectum), kidneys, ovarian, endometrial, meningioma, thyroid and multiple myeloma and possibly associated with prostatic (advanced), breast (men) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Bariatric surgery

According to bariatric surgeon and president of the NGO Obesidade Brasil, Dr. Carlos Schiavon, coordinator of teaching and research at the BP Center for Obesity and Bariatric Surgery – A Beneficência Portuguesa in São Paulo, bariatric surgery changes several aspects of patients’ lives and should be evaluated as a therapeutic option.

«The first aspect is the relationship with food itself, as patients begin to eat smaller portions and less caloric and healthier foods. Weight loss facilitates the practice of physical activity, which before surgery was difficult to do and often accompanied by pain. We too There are studies that demonstrate control of hypertension and diabetes after bariatric surgery. Self-esteem also has a noticeable improvement,” says Schiavon.

Obesity is not a lack of willpower

Andrea Levy, psychologist and co-founder of the NGO Obesidade Brasil, points out that people continue to link obesity to a character flaw, a lack of willpower or something easy to control. But this is not true, since it is a chronic disease that requires treatment. “The first step is to overcome prejudices in seeking treatment, because there are still many people who believe that obesity is not a disease”, concludes Andrea.

About the NGO Obesidade Brasil

The first non-profit organization in the world aimed at people affected by obesity is the Instituto Obesidade Brasil. It was created with the aim of raising awareness and providing clear and objective information, always with scientific guidance, an accessible language on obesity, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, new technologies. Furthermore, it offers directions to free public service centers, helping them in the best possible way.

The NGO was founded in February 2020 to raise public awareness of the fact that obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease. It currently has a Scientific Council made up of expert collaborators from all over Brazil. They are people with a multidisciplinary profile, who adopt the concept of universal health and work to guarantee everyone access to specialized medical care.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.