Excess body weight may be linked to more than 10% of all cancer cases, according to a 2026 study. The new findings prompt a reassessment of obesity's impact on cancer and underscore weight control as a key prevention method, reports inbusiness.kz.
The results were presented by Dr. Zukhra Pavlova, an endocrinologist at the University Clinic of Lomonosov Moscow State University. According to her, previous estimates linked obesity to about 5.5% of cancer cases, but new calculations indicate approximately 11.5%. "In other words, roughly one in ten cancer cases may be linked to excess adipose tissue," she explained.
The study authors explain that previous estimates underestimated the scale of the problem. The re-analysis considered several factors: cancer does not develop in days or weeks — years may pass between weight gain and disease onset, which was previously inaccurately assessed. Additionally, some cancers cause weight loss before diagnosis, leading statistics to mistakenly show no link. More precise data on the prevalence of overweight were also used. After recalculation, obesity's contribution to cancer nearly doubled.
The study found that women are more vulnerable: the proportion of obesity-related cancer cases is higher among women than men. This association is particularly pronounced for hormone-driven tumors. Adipose tissue actively regulates hormonal balance, and changes in this balance can increase cancer risk.
Experts emphasize that adipose tissue is not just an energy reserve but a full-fledged endocrine organ affecting the entire body. "Adipose tissue sustains chronic inflammation, promotes higher insulin and growth factor levels, and disrupts hormonal balance. These processes can create conditions favorable for the development of malignant tumors," said Zukhra Pavlova.
Weight control remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer at the population level. Maintaining a healthy weight does not guarantee full protection, but it can significantly reduce the impact of one of the most important modifiable risk factors.