Korean J Gastroenterol.  2012 Jan;59(1):16-26. 10.4166/kjg.2012.59.1.16.

Obesity and Colorectal Cancer

• Na SY
• Myung SJ

• KMID: 1775828
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2012.59.1.16

Abstract

Obesity worldwide is constantly increasing. Obesity acts as an independent significant risk factor for malignant tumors of various organs including colorectal cancer. Visceral adipose tissue is physiologically more important than subcutaneous adipose tissue. The relative risk of colorectal cancer of obese patients is about 1.5 times higher than the normal-weight individuals, and obesity is also associated with premalignant colorectal adenoma. The colorectal cancer incidence of obese patients has gender-specific and site-specific characteristics that it is higher in men than women and in the colon than rectum. Obesity acts as a risk factor of colorectal carcinogenesis by several mechanisms. Isulin, insulin-like growth factor, leptin, adiponectin, microbiome, and cytokines of chronic inflammation etc. have been understood as its potential mechanisms. In addition, obesity in patients with colorectal cancer negatively affects the disease progression and response of chemotherapy. Although the evidence is not clear yet, there are some reports that weight loss as well as life-modification such as dietary change and physical activity can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It is very important knowledge in the point that obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor that can alter the incidence and outcome of the colorectal cancer.

Keyword

Obesity; Colorectal neoplasms; Colorectal adenoma

MeSH Terms

Adipokines/metabolism/physiology
Body Mass Index
Colorectal Neoplasms/*etiology/prevention & control
Energy Intake
Exercise
Humans
Insulin Resistance
Meta-Analysis as Topic
Obesity/*complications
Somatomedins/metabolism/physiology
Weight Loss

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Mechanisms linking obesity with colorectal cancer. TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IL, interleukin; MIF, macrophage migration inhibitory factor; IGF, insulin-like growth factor; IGFBP, IGF binding protein.

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