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raises the risk of cancer, the statistics are undeniable: cancer and excess
weight are linked! What is the cost here? From a strictly physical standpoint,
grave illness or even death. Now think of the possible emotional and social
effects of cancer, like becoming depressed, being too sick to work, and being
isolated from family and friends. Losing a few pounds suddenly doesn’t seem
so bad!
A Stealthy Invader: Cancer / 67
Text-Dependent Questions:
1. List five cancers that are believed to be con-
nected with obesity.
2. Why are scientists having difficulty proving
how obesity increases the risk of cancer?
3. What are two reasons that obese women are more likely
to die from breast cancer?
4. What are two theories as to why obesity increases a per-
son’s risk of developing colon cancer?
5. Why do experts emphasize that habits like eating
healthy and exercising regularly should be established
in adolescence?