IOM workshop summary on “The Role of Obesity in Cancer Survival and Recurrence” now available
Given the increasing rate of obesity and an aging population more susceptible to cancer, there is mounting concern about obesity’s role in fueling tumor growth. Recent research suggests that excess weight and obesity can influence cancer survival and recurrence.
Additionally, there is interest in exploring ways to break the obesity-cancer link, especially in patients already diagnosed with cancer who are more susceptible to new cancers as well as a cancer progression or recurrence.
At a workshop October 31-November 1, 2011, held by the IOM’s National Cancer Policy Forum, experts presented the latest laboratory and clinical evidence on the obesity-cancer link and the possible mechanisms underlying that link.
Clinicians, researchers, cancer survivors, and policy makers also discussed potential interventions to mitigate the effects of obesity on cancer, and research and policy measures needed to counter the expected rise of cancer incidence mortality due to an increasingly overweight and older population. This document summarizes the workshop.
