Rise in kidney cancer rates ‘can be attributed to obesity’

The growing prevalence of obesity in England is leading to a rise in the number of kidney cancer cases, a new study has indicated.

Figures from Cancer Research UK have shown that kidney cancer rates have increased by 40 percent over the last ten years in the UK. By 2035, they could increase by a further 26 percent, making the disease one of the fastest growing cancer types.

An estimated 20,000 kidney cancer cases in England over the last decade can be attributed to obesity, with around 24 percent of instances linked to carrying excess weight – the same proportion as can be linked to smoking.

Although it is not currently known exactly why being overweight or obese causes kidney cancer, insulin resistance could play a role, as this causes levels of insulin to rise and results in cells dividing more rapidly.

Given that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, the report highlights the importance of ensuring that people make the necessary lifestyle changes to minimise their cancer risk.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information, said: "Making small changes in eating, drinking and being physically active that you can stick with in the long term is a good way to get to a healthy weight – and stay there."

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