Cancer deaths linked to obesity have surged dramatically in the United States, more than tripling over the past two decades according to new research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco. The study reveals a stark escalation in mortality from obesity-related cancers, with deaths rising from 3.7 per million in 1999 to 13.5 per million by 2020.
Accelerating Death Rates
The research, led by Dr. Faizan Ahmed of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, N.J., analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracking more than 33,500 deaths from obesity-related cancers. The findings show that obesity-related cancer deaths rose by nearly 6% annually on average between 1999 and 2000.
Most concerning was the dramatic acceleration observed in recent years. Between 2018 and 2020, the death rate took a sharp upward turn, rising by more than 19% on average annually.
"Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to significant mortality," Ahmed said. "This research underscores the need for targeted public health strategies such as early screening and improved access to care, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas."
Scope of Obesity-Related Cancers
The study examined 13 types of cancers linked to obesity, including esophageal, breast, colon, uterine, gallbladder, stomach, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, thyroid and brain cancers, as well as the blood cancer multiple myeloma. These obesity-related cancers represent 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the researchers' background notes.
The significance of this health crisis is underscored by current obesity prevalence, with more than 40% of U.S. adults having obesity.
Disparities Across Demographics and Geography
The study revealed sharp increases in obesity-related cancer deaths among specific vulnerable populations, including women, seniors, Black people, Native Americans, and residents of rural areas. These disparities highlight the unequal burden of obesity-related cancer mortality across different communities.
Regional analysis showed significant geographic variation in death rates. The Midwest recorded the highest rate of obesity-related cancer deaths at nearly 8 per million, while the Northeast had the lowest at under 6 per million.
At the state level, Vermont, Minnesota and Oklahoma had the highest state-specific rates of obesity-related cancer deaths, while Utah, Alabama and Virginia had the lowest rates.
Public Health Implications
The researchers emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions to address this growing crisis. "Given these trends, targeted public health interventions, including preventive measures, early screening, and equitable healthcare access, are pivotal," the researchers concluded in their presentation abstract.
The findings underscore the critical importance of addressing obesity as a modifiable risk factor for cancer prevention, particularly in high-risk populations and geographic regions where the burden is greatest.
The study findings were presented at a medical meeting and should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
