Height Weight & Cancer

Body size and factors related to size are associated with the risk of some cancers. These factors include:

• weight status, particularly obesity and weight gain;
  
• body fat distribution;
  
• body composition; (the balance between lean and fat tissue) and
  
• height.
  

Obesity significantly increases the risk of a number of cancers, including colorectal, endometrial, post-menopausal breast, and renal cell cancers and some types of esophageal cancer. The current prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, has reached epidemic proportions. In the United States, 31% of the population aged 20-74 years is classified as obese. In 1976-80, the prevalence of obesity was 15%.

Body composition and the distribution of body fat are related to the production of insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and the metabolism of sex hormones, which are associated with risk of some cancers.

The link between weight status and sex hormones suggests that weight gain during particular life stages may contribute to increased cancer risk. Proposed critical periods include adolescence, the child-bearing years, and menopause.