Obesity linked to 12 cancers

Obesity plays a role in as many as 12 types of cancer, according to a major analysis of the causes of the disease.

The report by the World Cancer Research Fund found that while smoking still remains the biggest cause of cancer, it may soon be overtaken by obesity in many countries, including the UK.

In an earlier version of the report, released a decade ago, the WCRF identified seven cancers linked to obesity. Now it says the evidence points to 12 – liver, ovaries, prostate (advanced), stomach, mouth and throat, bowel, breast (post-menopause), gallbladder, kidney, oesophagus, pancreas and womb.

The report says that up to four in 10 cancer cases are preventable, and urges non-smokers to adopt a 10-point health plan, which includes cutting down on bacon and processed meats, being physically active and reducing alcohol intake.