Cancer Doctors Target Obesity in Battle Against Cancer - East Idaho News

Cancer Doctors Target Obesity in Battle Against Cancer

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Thinkstock 093014 DoctorPatientWeight?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1412137920066Creatas Images/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Top cancer doctors are calling for the recognition of obesity as a risk factor for some forms of cancer.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, obesity is considered a risk factor for breast, prostate and colon cancers, among others. It is not, however, sufficiently recognized, doctors say. About 84,000 cancer diagnoses are believed to be attributed to obesity each year, along with 15 percent of cancer deaths.

The ASCO announced an anti-obesity initiative on Wednesday, including education, policy advocacy, research and clinical tools.

The group says that cancer diagnoses could be a “teachable moment” to motivate patients to improve their diet and lifestyle habits.


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