Bowel cancer cases rise due to obesity

Almost 5,000 bowel cancer cases have been caused by obesity over the last decade in Scotland, according to research.

Cancer Research UK described the findings as a “huge worry” and called for action to promote healthier lifestyles along with restrictions on offers for unhealthy foods.

There are around 3,800 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in Scotland each year and around 1,600 people die from the disease annually.

Obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer and Cancer Research UK said resistance to insulin, a hormone important in the breakdown of food, is one likely explanation.

Scientists have found high levels of insulin in the body causes cells to divide more rapidly, raising the risk of these changing and leading to cancer.

Professor Linda Bauld, of Cancer Research UK based at Stirling University, said: “Being overweight or obese is linked to 13 types of cancer, including bowel cancer which is the third most common form of the disease in Scotland.”