Obesity Linked to Womb Cancer; Coffee, Exercise Cut Down Risks

Obese women are more likely to develop endometrial (uterine) cancer, a new scientific report said.

Researchers from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) found that drinking coffee and sparing a few minutes for exercise helped women protect themselves against the deadly disease.

"Many women are not aware of the strong link between obesity and cancer, which is particularly strong for endometrial cancer," Dr Elisa Bandera, panel lead of the Cancer Research Fund report, said in a news release issued by AICR. According to her "many cases could be prevented every year by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active."

For preparing the report, a team of researchers from London's Imperial College analysed scientific data from different parts of the world. They took into account different factors that influence endometrial cancer, including physical activity, body weight and diet.

Citing the role of some hormones released by fat cells in the development of different types of cancer, scientists said that engaging in regular exercises helped reduce the risks by strengthening immunity and thus helping the body to control the hormone levels.

The report showed that following a healthy lifestyle, which involves 30 minutes of physical activity daily and maintaining a healthy body weight, was enough to prevent 59 percent (the three out of every five news cases) of endometrial cancer cases in the US. According to the report, some components found in coffee like chlorogenic acid lowered the risk by working as antioxidants, preventing DNA damage and improving insulin sensitivity.

Endometrial cancer is a form of cancer which lines the womb called endometrium. It is one of the most common types of the womb cancer, sometimes leading to severe complications by spreading to other parts of the body, particularly lungs. According to Mayo Clinic in the US, many factors increase the risk of uterine cancer. Early menarche (the first menstrual bleeding before age 12), obesity, hormone therapy for breast cancer, not experiencing pregnancy and old age are some of them.