THE LINK BETWEEN OBESITY AND CANCER RISK

Ahmed Sabah Mohammed Jamil*, Ayman Tareq Ibrahim, Ahmed Saadoon Hassoon 

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity has become a global public health concern and is increasingly recognized as a major modifiable risk factor for cancer. Excess adiposity contributes to carcinogenesis through hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and cancer risk in adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over six months among 1,200 adults recruited using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and categorized according to World Health Organization criteria. Cancer status was determined by self-reported physician diagnoses confirmed by medical documentation when available. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and comorbid conditions. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 34.8%, while 29.6% were overweight and 32.1% had normal weight. A total of 96 participants (8.0%) reported a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Cancer prevalence increased progressively with BMI, from 4.2% in normal-weight individuals to 12.7% in obese participants. Multivariable logistic regression showed that obesity was associated with a significantly higher cancer risk (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.92–5.60, p < 0.001), while overweight showed a non-significant trend (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 0.98–3.08, p = 0.058). Age was also an independent predictor of cancer (OR = 1.05 per year, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Obesity was strongly associated with increased cancer risk, independent of age, sex, and smoking. The findings emphasize the importance of obesity prevention and management as integral components of cancer control strategies. Targeted interventions promoting healthy lifestyles and weight reduction are essential to mitigate the dual burden of obesity and cancer.

Keywords: Obesity, Cancer risk, Cross-sectional study, Body mass index, Public health.