Increased risk of large bowel cancer for each 1 cm rise in waist circumference

1 cm = 0.393701 inches

Public Release: 27-Oct-2015
Increased risk of large bowel cancer for each 1 cm rise in waist circumference
Experts speaking at the 23rd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEG Week 2015) in Barcelona, Spain today revealed compelling evidence of the link between excess body weight and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC)
Spink Health

Experts speaking at the 23rd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEG Week 2015) in Barcelona, Spain today revealed compelling evidence of the link between excess body weight and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). John Mathers, Professor of Human Nutrition from the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University in the UK presented data showing an overall increase of 18% in relative risk of CRC per 5 unit increase in BMI.

"In addition, in men, there is now evidence that increasing waist circumference in middle age is associated with increased bowel cancer risk", says Prof. Mathers. CRC risk was increased by nearly 60% in men who gained at least 10 cm in waist circumference over 10 years. "This increased cancer risk may be due to persistent inflammation in people with obesity".

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Prof. Mathers said "There is now compelling evidence that improved lifestyle, particularly better dietary choices and being more physically active, can help to prevent obesity and this will lower bowel cancer risk". In addition, for those people who are already too heavy, losing weight may reduce their CRC risk but this is an area which requires further study.

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"Bowel cancer is strongly associated with age, obesity and diet - and is driven by inflammation", explains Prof. Mathers. "We can now give the public clear advice on the benefits of staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and avoiding weight gain to lower CRC risk as we get older".