A Canada-wide survey found that the majority of Canadians are not aware of the link between being overweight or obese and getting cancer. It’s as much as getting heart disease and diabetes. A recent review from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) reported that approximately one-third of all cancers can be prevented through “a combination healthy food and nutrition, regular physical activity and avoidance of obesity”.
The WCRF concludes that there is convincing evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of cancer of the colorectum, breast (in postmenopausal women), endometrium, esophagus, pancreas and kidney, and probable evidence that greater body fatness causes cancer of the gallbladder.
Key recommendations for the clinical management of obesity include considering referral for bariatric surgery by your primary caregiver.
Physicians have a unique opportunity to help obese patients understand the health risks associated with obesity per the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Ask your doctor if the proven options for bariatric surgical treatment of obesity available at the SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre could be right for you.
For more information, visit http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/events-and-participation/find-an-event-near-you/daffodil-month/?region=ns