Addendum on Cancer Increase
Increased death rate from cancer in obese women
Obese women have a greater risk of dying from cancer than women of a normal weight (body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9). The following table shows how much higher the death rates of obese women are for cancer compared to the death rates of women with a normal weight.1 For example, obese women have a 23% higher death rate from all cancers than women of a normal weight.
If no percentage is provided, information was not available for the type of cancer and category of obesity.
Type of cancer
Increased death rate from cancer by body weight category (BMI)
Obese (30 to 34.9)Very obese (35 to 39.9)Extremely obese (40 and above)All cancers23%32%62%Breast63%70%112%Cervical23%220%-Colorectal33%36%46%Gallbladder113%--Kidney66%70%375%Liver40%68%-Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma20%95%-Pancreatic28%41%176Uterine153%177%525%
The risk of death from esophageal and stomach cancer has not been established for women.
References
Citations
Calle EE, et al. (2003). Overweight, obesity, and mortality from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U.S. adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(17): 1625-1638.
Credits
AuthorPaul LehnertEditorSusan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBAAssociate EditorTracy LandauerPrimary Medical ReviewerCaroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerW. Stewart Agras, MD
- PsychiatryLast UpdatedOctober 9, 2003Author: Paul LehnertLast Updated October 9, 2003Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry
© 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
