CDC Report Links Obesity to Rising Cancer Rates: Implications for North Dakota

Why it matters locally: The CDC's report on the link between obesity and cancer is highly relevant to North Dakota residents. With a significant portion of cancers being tied to excess weight, North Dakota, like the rest of the nation, faces challenges in healthcare costs and the well-being of its citizens. The report underscores the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative care to reduce the risk of these cancers, impacting individuals, families, and the state's healthcare system. Given the high proportion of cancers diagnosed in adults between 50-74, who represent a significant part of North Dakota's population, this report amplifies the need for public health initiatives and resources aimed at early detection and prevention within this age group.

---

Atlanta -- A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released this week highlights the association between overweight and obesity and the incidence of certain types of cancer. The Vital Signs report indicates that while the overall cancer rate in the United States is decreasing, the proportion of cancers linked to excess weight is increasing. According to the CDC findings, cancers associated with overweight and obesity accounted for 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. in 2014. The report identifies at least 13 different types of cancer that have been linked to being overweight or obese. The data show a significant portion of these obesity-related cancers, approximately two-thirds, are diagnosed in adults between the ages of 50 and 74.