Obesity Raises Endometrial Cancer Risk

Women with extra weight have a higher risk of endometrial cancer, states a new study published by Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The study found this was the case especially if the woman experiences an early menopause, and that women with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 35 who were under the age of 45 before their last menstrual period were 22 times more likely to develop endometrial cancers than other women of the same age with healthy BMIs.

Women who were younger than 45 when they had their last period and had a BMI above 35 had a 21.7 times greater risk of developing endometrial cancer than a woman of normal weight. In women older than 45 at their last menstrual period, those with BMIs above 35 had 3.7 times greater odds of developing endometrial cancer than their normal-weight peers.

Women who had BMIs of at least 25 who were also under 45 at the age of their last menstrual period had about a sixfold increase in risk vs. their normal-weight counterparts.

The researchers suspect that a hormonal imbalance, specifically a lack of progesterone, is likely to blame for the increased risk, Thomas said.

However, weight loss can aid in reducing the risk of endometrial cancer, and is another important reason to get healthier. Any woman who experiences significant changes in her menstrual period is also strongly advised to discuss it with her physician. —HealthDay News

Red Meat and Dairy Products Linked to Cancer

The latest AARP Diet and Health Study by the National Institutes of Health of more than 500,000 people supports the idea that high intake of fat from red meat and dairy products lead to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Men and women who consumed high amounts of total fats had 53% and 23% higher relative rates of pancreatic cancer, respectively, compared with men and women who had the lowest fat consumption. Participants who consumed high amounts of saturated fats had 36% higher relative rates of pancreatic cancer compared with those who consumed low amounts.

Still, there isn't sufficient scientific evidence to pinpoint dietary fat from read meat and dairy products' role in pancreatic cancer compared to other types of meat consumption, necessitating further research.
—Science Daily