Body shape and colon cancer

Abstract

Welcome to Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota. New research provides one more reason to stay in shape. In a study of 1,100 postmenopausal women suffering from colon cancer, researchers found that women carrying excess weight in the waist and hips may be at increased risk of death. Anna Prizment, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, led the study. <Anna: “We found that post-menopausal women who are obese and diagnosed with colon cancer appear to face a greater risk of dying from all causes. And we also found that body shape, may play an important role, as well. Women with the disease who have an unhealthy hip-to-waist ratio, and an enlarged waste have an increased risk of death and, specifically, death from colon cancer.”> According to the American Cancer Society, people 50 and over should get regular screenings, such as colonoscopy. Based on her research, Prizment doesn’t have specific advice for women, other than to maintain a healthy weight throughout life. <Anna: “Unfortunately, we cannot give a direct recommendation because we don’t know what would happen to women if they lose weight after they are diagnosed with colon cancer. So, our main recommendation is [for women] to maintain a healthy weight during their life. And especially when they become post-menopausal and this could help in future if they are diagnosed with colon cancer.”> For Public Health Moment, I’m Mark Engebretson.