A recent study conducted by researchers found that individuals with worsening metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing various types of cancer, with kidney cancer having the highest risk. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by the presence of three or more markers such as central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein levels. The study, which focused on nearly 45,000 adults in China, highlighted the importance of early intervention to reduce the risk of cancer and other health conditions later in life. The findings were published in the research journal Cancer, and researchers emphasized the need for regular screenings for both cancer and metabolic syndrome, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate risks.
Doctors interviewed by Medical News Today discussed how the overlapping risk factors of metabolic syndrome can compound health risks, leading to an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Dr. Han-Ping Shi, a senior study author and surgeon at the Capital Medical University in Beijing, emphasized the importance of exploring the biological mechanisms linking metabolic syndrome to cancer and developing targeted treatments or preventive strategies based on these findings. Over a median follow-up period of more than 9 years, individuals with elevated and increasing metabolic syndrome had a higher risk of developing cancer, with kidney cancer being over 4 times more prevalent in this group compared to those with a low-stable trajectory.
Another expert, Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in California, highlighted the unique insights provided by the study, particularly in assessing the trajectory of metabolic syndrome over a four-year period. The combination of inflammation and metabolic syndrome was found to increase the risk of developing common cancers such as breast, colon, endometrial, and liver cancer. Prior research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated a rising trend in metabolic syndrome rates in the United States over the past few decades, emphasizing the need for proactive screening and intervention strategies.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, underscored the importance of early and widespread screening for metabolic syndrome in order to reduce the risk of developing various types of cancers. Monitoring and addressing the components of metabolic syndrome, including hypertension, high cholesterol, high sugar, and high body fat, can significantly impact the risk of cancer. Chen advised adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, protecting oneself from sun exposure, and adhering to recommended cancer screening guidelines to minimize cancer risks in the future. The research serves as a call to action for individuals to take charge of their health and make informed choices to reduce their risk of developing cancer associated with metabolic syndrome.