Cancer risks for apple-shaped women double

APPLE-SHAPED women are twice as likely to develop some cancers than those with slimmer figures, research has found.

While obesity can trigger a number of health problems in men and women extra fat around the midriff has been linked to several different cancers.

Carrying a spare tyre doubles the chances of developing tumours in the womb, a study of 385,000 people found.

Across all adults, risks for gallbladder cancer were 83 per cent higher, kidney cancer rose by 39 per cent, with an increase of 25 per cent for liver cancer.

Elevated risks were also seen for bowel and breast cancer.

The research by Glasgow University, classified participants against a Visceral Adiposity Index – a measure used to assess the fat that lies around the abdominal organs.

There is a growing body of research suggesting that fat in this area may be particularly deadly, because of the way it affects key hormones and inflammation which can fuel cancer.

Scientists said the NHS should assess visceral fat to screen high risk patients for cancer risk.

“It would help us diagnose patients earlier,” Dr Carlos Celis-morales said.