Belly Fat and Future Cancer Risk

Studies suggest that excess belly fat leads to a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, and new studies show it may play a part in some forms of cancer. Although it is no secret extra weight increases the chances of someone developing cancer, scientists now believe that belly fat can predict a person's risk of developing cancer just like a person's body mass index (BMI). Research suggests that as a person's waistline increases, so does their chances of getting certain types of cancer, including pancreatic, breast and colorectal cancer. 

Waistline Measurements and Cancer
According to the World Health Organization, adding about 11 centimeters to your waistline could increase your chances of developing an obesity-related cancer by 13 percent. Also, the WHO stated that an additional 8 centimeters around your waistline can increase your chances of developing bowel cancer by 15 percent. Obesity and excess weight are two of the biggest preventable causes of cancer behind smoking.

If you carry around excess belly fat, it can change the level of your sex hormones, cause your insulin levels to rise and lead to inflammation, which are all known factors of increased levels of cancer. There are 13 types of cancers associated with obesity and excess weight, and bowel cancer is the most common among people with excess belly fat.

Belly Fat is the Most Dangerous Fat
Aside from predicting certain cancer risks, belly fat is particularly troublesome because it is not limited to just one layer of fat. Instead, belly fat also includes visceral fat, which lies deep beneath the abdomen surrounding some of your internal organs. Although belly fat is most commonly linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, aging does play a role. While you age, you start to lose muscle mass and density, which affects how many calories your body burns. Dieticians suggest if you are over 50, you should eat 200 calories less than you did in your 30s.

How Body Weight Affects Cancer Risk
Studies suggest that excess belly fat affects several of your body's mechanisms, including the regulation of cell growth and how certain proteins affect your hormonal levels. These mechanisms may be specific to certain forms of cancer, but Cancer.org states the links between these mechanisms, belly fat and cancer are not yet fully understood.

Weight Loss and Cancer Risk
Evidence continues to show that losing weight, specifically losing belly fat, may reduce the risk of some cancers, including prostate cancer and breast cancer in women and men. Research shows that people who intentionally lose their belly fat reduce the levels of hormones in their bodies most commonly linked to some forms of cancer. A reduction in your hormone levels such as insulin, estrogen and androgen can significantly decrease your risk of cancer, especially aggressive forms of prostate cancer in men.

However, weight loss does far more than decrease your risk of developing cancer. Losing weight can decrease your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and many other health-related issues. It also reduces your chances of sudden, premature death.

Skin Care Screenings; Everything You Need to Know

Most skin care screenings involve a visual inspection of your skin by a doctor without having to have any blood work performed. Because skin caner is now the most common type of cancer in the U.S., it has become more important than ever to have regular screenings performed by a dermatologist to prevent and detect skin cancer.

Who Should Schedule a Skin Care Screening?

It is possible to develop skin cancer regardless of your race, ethnicity or skin color. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, but it has a very high cure rate when it is detected early enough to be treated properly. A visual skin care screening from a licensed dermatologist can tell you right away if you are at risk for skin cancer or need any further followup. 

What is Checked During a Skin Care Screening?

A dermatologist will perform a visual inspection of all of your skin. This may require you to undress because you will need to have almost all of your skin totally exposed to be properly checked. This will also involve checking your scalp and the soles of your feet. Your genital skin will not likely be examined unless you bring a specific concern to their attention. 

What Do Dermatologist Search for in a Skin Care Screening?

Dermatologists have been trained to find any type of abnormal growth on your skin to advise whether you should pursue more followup. This could include a rough bump or a sore that will not heal. Also, any moles that are oddly shaped or have an uneven color or large size could be a sign of melanoma. 

What Happens if the Dermatologist Recommends a Biopsy?

If the dermatologist notices a skin lesion that could need more attention during your skin care screening, then they could recommend a simple biopsy. There is no reason to panic if this is the case. It involves taking a small sample of your skin, which the dermatologist will examine under a microscope. This procedure is quick and relatively painless.

Summary: Skin care screenings are one of the best ways to detect and prevent skin cancers. They are quick and painless and involve a visual inspection of your skin by a dermatologist.

Study: Heart Attack Patients Trending Fatter, Younger

Although doctors know more now than ever about preventing heart attacks, that does not ensure people follow their advice.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients who are treated for heart attacks are growing younger and are increasingly obese. Researchers also found smoking rates increased from 28 to 46 percent among heart attack patients, although the national average had declined over the same time period.

These conclusions were not what the researchers had expected to find when they reviewed data for the 3,900 patients. The data had been gathered from 1995 to 2014.

They divided patients into four groups that represented a five-year period. Between the first and last groups, the patients' average age fell from 64 to 60, and the percentage of obese patients rose from 31 to 40 percent.

On average, patients were also sicker. Thirty-one percent had diabetes, compared to 24 percent. However, the researchers did not have socioeconomic data points, and all the data was from one hospital. Therefore it's not possible to know whether these statistics would apply nationwide.

Nonetheless, the data is sobering. The lesson from the research is that healthcare providers must do even more, probably more than ever before, to promote heart attack prevention and overall heart health. This includes advocating for healthier lifestyles, more exercise, and better diets.

Prevention is key and should be at the forefront of primary care.

Heart health shouldn't just depend on a cardiac specialist. Primary care physicians and their patients should all take ownership of their health and the growing problem of obesity and heart attacks.

As a doctor, advocate for good choices that will aid in preventing heart attacks, stroke, or weight gain. As a patient, do not wait for illness or declining health to see you doctor. Establish a healthy relationship with your doctor, and take care of yourself to ensure a long, happy, healthy life. Work to avoid heart disease entirely, not to treat it after diagnosis.