Article
Weight change and incidence of cancer: results of a large cohort study with more than 65,000 adults in Austria
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Published: | September 6, 2007 |
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Outline
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Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for several types of cancer. Data about weight change and cancer incidence, however, are limited.
Objectives: To investigate the relationship between weight change and incidence of all cancers combined and of specific types of cancer.
Methods: A prospective investigation of a population-based cohort of 65,649 Austrian men and women was performed. Weight change was assessed by at least 2 measurements within 7 (+/- 2) years. Mean time of follow-up was 8.0 years. Incident cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancers) was ascertained by a population-based cancer registry (n=3,128). Cox-proportional-hazards models were used to estimate hazard rate ratios (HR) stratified for age and adjusted for baseline body-mass index, fasting blood glucose, smoking and occupational group.
Results: Weight change was not associated with all cancers combined in men and women. Weight loss reduced the risk of colon cancer in men (HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29-0.87) but not in women. Strong weight gain (≥0.4 kg/m2/year) was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer (HR 2.23; 95% CI, 1.03-4.82) and a reduced risk of prostate cancer (HR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.97). The risk reduction in prostate cancer was attributable to low-grade cancer (Gleason-Score <7).
Conclusion: Weight change even over a relatively short period seems to influence cancer incidence in several types of tumours.