Researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research looked at the seven cancers with known links to obesity and estimated counts of actual cases that could have been caused by obesity.
Specifically, the report says that 49 percent of endometrial cancers are caused by excess body fat. That number is followed by a 35 per cent of cases of esophageal cancer, 28 per cent of cases of pancreatic cancer, 24 per cent of cases of kidney cancer, 21 percent of cancer cases gallbladder, 17 percent of breast cancers, and 9 percent of colorectal cancers.
"This is the first time we have real, measurable in the number of cancers related to obesity," said Glen Weldon, the American Institute for Cancer director of educational research. Also, he said, is not only cancer that is causing a problem.
"Obesity not only increases the risk of cancer," said Weldon. "It also has a negative effect on survival and may make treatment more difficult."
Although there is no specific science about why obesity increases a person's risk for cancer, scientists speculate that the estrogen released by excess body fat could be the culprit of cancers such as estrogen-receptor positive cancer breast.
Studies have also shown that increasing fat may lead to increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory compounds in the blood, which are related to DNA mutations and the growth of diseased cells, as seen in many cancers.
The American Cancer Society applauded the new research, but said the report is just the first step.
"It helps to communicate the magnitude of the problem," said Dr. Michael Thun, vice president emeritus of the American Cancer Society.
"While the study refers to the magnitude of the problem, which suggests possible solutions. The bottom line for people concerned about this issue is to try to balance the calories you eat with your body spends each day."
In addition to cancer, obesity is a known cause of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke.
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