CDC Report: Obesity-Linked Cancers on the Rise; Impacting Pennsylvania Residents

Why it matters locally: The CDC report linking obesity to increasing cancer rates is highly relevant to Pennsylvania residents due to the state's significant population and the pervasive nature of obesity across the US. With a state population of nearly 13 million, a considerable number of Pennsylvanians are at risk. If Pennsylvania's rates mirror national trends, we can expect that, in 2014 numbers, around 40% of all cancers diagnosed in Pennsylvanians can be partially attributed to being overweight or obese. The report serves as a crucial reminder for Pennsylvania's healthcare system and individuals alike. Increased awareness can allow for better resource allocation towards prevention programs like healthy eating initiatives and promotion of physical activity. Early detection programs can also be better promoted, improving the standard and longevity of life for at-risk Pennsylvanians.

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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.