Kidney cancer rise result of obesity

New figures from Cancer Research UK have revealed that approximately 20,000 kidney cancer cases have been caused by obesity over the last decade in England.

Kidney cancer rates have increased by 40 per cent over the last 10 years in the UK, with the charity predicting the rise to continue, with Cancer Research UK projections showing that rates could increase by a further 26 per cent by 2035.

Separate research shows that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, including kidney cancer. 24 per cent of kidney cancer cases are linked to carrying excess weight, while 24 per cent are linked to smoking.

Scientists suggest that insulin resistance could be the main factor behind the correlation, as excess weight can cause levels of insulin to rise, telling cells to divide more rapidly.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s head of health information, said: “It’s concerning to see kidney cancer cases rising like this. Being overweight or obese is linked to 13 types of cancer, including kidney which is becoming more and more common.

“Similar to smoking, where damage to cells builds up over time and increases the risk of cancer, damage from carrying excess weight accumulates over a person’s lifetime. Making small changes in eating, drinking and being physically active that you can stick with in the long term, is a good way to get to a healthy weight – and stay there."

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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