9781422288450

Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer • Consistent evidence shows a clear link between this cancer and obe- sity, some studies say especially in women. • High blood pressure and high levels of insulin may play a role in the development of renal cell cancer. • Excess weight (either overweight or obese) accounts for two out of ten renal cell cancer cases. Pancreatic Cancer • Evidence is mixed. • One belief is that waist circumference is an important factor in the connection between obesity and pancreatic cancer. • Another study found that obesity only increases this type of cancer risk in those who are also not physically active. Gallbladder Cancer • The risk of this cancer is largely associated with gallstones. • Because the obese tend to encounter a higher frequency of gallstones, their risk of gallbladder cancer increases as well. Let’s be clear: the medical community does not yet understand exactly how obesity increases any of these cancers’ incidence. It just sees case after case supporting a connection. Frankly, the mechanism by which excess fat triggers these diseases likely differs from cancer to cancer, so it’s hard to track down. But let’s leave the why and how to the experts’ examination. For the average person, they are unimportant. Knowing obesity elevates cancer risk is enough for us. How can we avoid such risk? Most responsible guidelines for cancer prevention include two basic prin- ciples: eat a wide variety of foods in moderation and prevent obesity through diet and exercise. Remember, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. What

A Stealthy Invader: Cancer / 65