Surgeon General Links Obesity to Cancer

A recent report on obesity released by US SurgeonGeneral Dr. David Satcher said that about 300,000 people in the United Statesdie each year from diseases related directly to being overweight, includingheart disease and cancer. 

The report, entitled "The Surgeon General’sCall to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity," outlinedstrategies that communities can use in helping to address the problem. Thoseoptions include requiring physical education at all school grades, providingmore healthy food options on school campuses, and providing safe and accessiblerecreational facilities for residents of all ages. The report links beingoverweight or obese with an increased risk for some types of cancer includingendometrial, colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and postmenopausal breastcancer. Women gaining more than 20 lb from age 18 to midlife double their riskof postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.