Obesity Linked to Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer

A Japanese study determined that people with the highest body mass indexes were most likely to have colorectal tumors. Researchers analyzed approximately 9000 colonoscopy results and found either no tumors or tumors that could be removed endoscopically. Of the study group, 3000 underwent a colonoscopy 1 year later. A 10.9% reduced risk of a colorectal tumor was noted among those who had lost weight, compared with a 17.3% risk among those who did not lose weight. Lead author Dr. Yutaka Yamaji said his study illustrated "the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight in the prevention of colorectal adenoma."

Ms. Farley is a freelance medical writer based in Wakefield, RI.