Cancer and Obesity
Carrying excess body fat has been linked to a higher risk of developing at least 13 different types of cancer, including breast, bowel and womb cancers.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Carrying excess body fat has been linked to a higher risk of developing at least 13 different types of cancer, including breast, bowel and womb cancers. Excess fat can raise levels of certain hormones and cause long-term inflammation that encourages abnormal cells to grow. Losing weight, even modestly, may help lower this risk.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Obesity is an established risk factor for multiple malignancies, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified at least 13 cancer types with sufficient evidence of an obesity association, including oesophageal adenocarcinoma, colorectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, renal and pancreatic cancers. Proposed mechanisms include chronic low-grade inflammation, hyperinsulinaemia, increased bioavailability of sex steroids and adipokine dysregulation. Intentional weight loss is associated with reduced cancer risk, particularly in women.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Because obesity is one of the few modifiable cancer risk factors, weight management is a genuine form of cancer prevention. Our programme supports sustainable weight loss to reduce long-term health risks.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.