Obesity, energy balance, and cancer: New opportunities for prevention

Stephen D. Hursting, John DiGiovanni, Andrew J. Dannenberg, Maria Azrad, Derek LeRoith, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Madhuri Kakarala, Angela Brodie, Nathan A. Berger

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    154 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Obesity is associated with increased risk and poor prognosis for many types of cancer. The mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer link are becoming increasingly clear and provide multiple opportunities for primary to tertiary prevention. Several obesity-related host factors can influence tumor initiation, progression and/or response to therapy, and these have been implicated as key contributors to the complex effects of obesity on cancer incidence and outcomes. These host factors include insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, leptin, adiponectin, steroid hormones, cytokines, and inflammation-related molecules. Each of these host factors is considered in the context of energy balance and as potential targets for cancer prevention. The possibility of prevention at the systems level, including energy restriction, dietary composition, and exercise is considered as is the importance of the newly emerging field of stem cell research as a model for studying energy balance and cancer prevention.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)1260-1272
    Number of pages13
    JournalCancer Prevention Research
    Volume5
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Nov 2012

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Medicine

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