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In a recent study it was discovered that obesity increases the risks for ovarian cancer. The study involved 22,000 that were diagnosed with ovarian cancer which is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies. Obesity is known to increase the risks for many illnesses, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers of the breast, pancreas, colon and esophagus.
Ovarian cancer affects 8 in 100,000 American women and obesity may be the cause in 5% of these cases. The American Institute for Cancer Research released a new report on ovarian cancer on Tuesday which says that American women should maintain a healthy weight, meaning that the body mass index should be lower than 30. This way 1, 112 cases of ovarian cancer could be prevented every year.
Are tall women more susceptible to ovarian cancer? New study reveals
The study that says obesity increases the risks for ovarian cancer reveals another frightening discovery: tall women have a greater risk of ovarian cancer. The scientists note that tallness itself does not cause the cancer but some of the factors that result in tallness can contribute to the establishment of the tumor. It is known that taller people are more susceptible to a wide range of other cancer forms.
Ovarian cancer is a disease which can progress with no recognizable symptoms, thus usually diagnosed when it is more difficult to treat. 14,000 American women die annually because of this disease.
The new study reveals that for women who are obese and pre-menopausal the risks of ovarian cancer are higher, in comparison with normal weight pre-menopausal women. The cancer specialists are trying to discover the link between obesity and ovarian cancer saying that high levels of leptin, which is the hunger hormone, and of circulating insulin (both are more common in obese people) increase the growth factors which leads to the appearance of tumors.
