Combat Obesity
Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, second only to tobacco use. Approximately one in three cancer deaths can be attributed to poor diet, physical inactivity, and overweight and obesity. The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States has more than doubled in the past 25 years, and one-third of adults – more than 72 million people – are currently obese. In addition, obesity among children and adolescents has tripled over the past three decades.
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for several common cancers, including colon, esophageal, kidney, endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancer. The biological link between overweight/ obesity and cancer is believed to be related to multiple effects on fat and sugar metabolism, immune function, hormone levels and proteins that affect hormone levels, and other factors related to cell proliferation and growth. Maintaining a healthy body weight throughout life is key to reducing cancer risk.
Obesity, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Cancer: Making Healthy Lifestyles a National Priority
New York Campaigns
Unless specifically noted otherwise, the Society, and not ACS CAN, is conducting the activities described on this page.
