3 Gynecological Cancers That Are Linked to Obesity
It is widely known that being obese increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. What many women do not realize is that having too many excess pounds can also put them at risk for certain types of gynecological cancers. Here are three types of cancers that obesity increases the risk of.
1. Ovarian Cancer
Research has found that women who are obese are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one study found a higher risk of mortality in women who are obese, as well as a 50% greater chance of developing the cancer among the heaviest women who participated in the study. Having too many androgens, or male hormones, may be another risk factor of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is linked to obesity, causes this hormonal imbalance.
2. Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer, which is also known as endometrial cancer, is more likely to affect women who are obese. Obesity can cause a hormonal imbalance in which a woman's estrogen levels increase, but not her progesterone levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. This type of hormonal imbalance can increase a woman's risk of developing uterine cancer. Conditions which are related to obesity, such as diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, can also cause this type of hormonal imbalance.
3. Cervical Cancer
Obese women are 50% more likely to experience cervical cancer, according to WebMD. Interestingly, the study also found that body shape affects how great your risk of developing cervical cancer is. Apple-shaped women, who carry most of their weight in their midsection, were twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than women with other body shapes, according to WebMD. At this point, researchers do not fully understand why obesity increases the risk of cervical cancer, which is generally caused by the Human Papillomavirus. It may be because Pap smears are less reliable among obese women, so the disease has time to progress. HPV is more likely to clear up among women with good immune systems, which can be affected by diet and exercise. A diet which is low in fruits and vegetables, which may be more common in women who are obese, increases the risk of cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, which indicates that you are obese, is not good for your overall health. Maintaining a healthy body weight helps reduce your risk of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer, along with other diseases and conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.
Sources:
American Cancer Society, "Cervical Cancer."
American Cancer Society, "Ovarian Cancer."
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
1. Ovarian Cancer
Research has found that women who are obese are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one study found a higher risk of mortality in women who are obese, as well as a 50% greater chance of developing the cancer among the heaviest women who participated in the study. Having too many androgens, or male hormones, may be another risk factor of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is linked to obesity, causes this hormonal imbalance.
2. Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer, which is also known as endometrial cancer, is more likely to affect women who are obese. Obesity can cause a hormonal imbalance in which a woman's estrogen levels increase, but not her progesterone levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. This type of hormonal imbalance can increase a woman's risk of developing uterine cancer. Conditions which are related to obesity, such as diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, can also cause this type of hormonal imbalance.
3. Cervical Cancer
Obese women are 50% more likely to experience cervical cancer, according to WebMD. Interestingly, the study also found that body shape affects how great your risk of developing cervical cancer is. Apple-shaped women, who carry most of their weight in their midsection, were twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than women with other body shapes, according to WebMD. At this point, researchers do not fully understand why obesity increases the risk of cervical cancer, which is generally caused by the Human Papillomavirus. It may be because Pap smears are less reliable among obese women, so the disease has time to progress. HPV is more likely to clear up among women with good immune systems, which can be affected by diet and exercise. A diet which is low in fruits and vegetables, which may be more common in women who are obese, increases the risk of cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, which indicates that you are obese, is not good for your overall health. Maintaining a healthy body weight helps reduce your risk of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer, along with other diseases and conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.
Sources:
American Cancer Society, "Cervical Cancer."
American Cancer Society, "Ovarian Cancer."
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i... View profile
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