In a new study, researchers found that cancer risks from obesity are different in men and women.
They found that a higher BMI (body mass index; a measure of total fat) is more dangerous for men, whereas a higher waist-to-hip ratio (your waist circumference divided by your hip circumference; a measure of abdominal fat) is more dangerous for women.
The research was conducted by a team at the University of Bristol and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In the study, the team used an approach, called Mendelian randomisation, which uses genetic information for weight to examine the effect of different body fat measures on colorectal cancer risk in men and women.
They found an increase in BMI of about 5 kg/m2 raised the risk of colorectal cancer by 23% for men, but only 9% for women.
Whereas an equivalent increase in waist-to-hip ratio raised the risk for women by 25%, this was only 5% for men.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK but the second deadliest, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers by eating a balanced diet, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
This study is the largest to look at the difference between body fat and colorectal cancer risk in men and women, and it reveals the need for a more nuanced approach when trying to prevent cancer.
The researchers are now working to understand exactly how increased body fat causes colorectal cancer, which may give them new targets for reducing risk.
This is important because maintaining a weight loss is still very difficult.
They suggest people can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by keeping a healthy weight, eating a diet with lots of fiber and less red and processed meat, drinking less alcohol, and not smoking.
Diagnosing bowel cancer early saves lives, so if people notice any changes that aren’t normal they should tell their doctors.
And the team encourages people to consider taking up bowel cancer screening when invited.
One author of the study is Dr. Emma Vincent.
The study is published in BMC Medicine.
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