Men who gain weight during adulthood, even those who are not considered to be overweight based on their body mass index, have a higher risk of colon cancer. Researchers studied 46,349 men between the ages of 40 and 75 years who did not have cancer or ulcerative colitis, to determine whether weight change influenced colon cancer risk. All participants were interviewed regarding their medical history, lifestyle factors, weight and diet. The data was updated at regular intervals of 2-4 years. It was found that men with an average BMI above 22 had a significant increased risk of colon cancer compared with those with an average BMI between 20 and 22. The risk was more than doubled among those with a BMI greater than 30, which is considered as obesity. Also, nearly one third of all colon cancers diagnosed over an 18-year period were linked to having a BMI greater than 22. Researchers stated that for every 10-pound gained in the prior 2-4 years, the risk increased by 14 percent. Similarly, for every 5 kg of weight gained per 10 years since age 21, the risk increased by 33 percent. In contrast, weight at the age of 21 years was not associated with risk. Based on this study, there is a need to support public health interventions to avoid weight gain for prevention of colon cancer.
International Journal of Cancer
September 2008