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Can Bariatric Surgery Reduce Cancer Risk?

Having excessive body fat can increase your risk of a number of health issues including cancer. Endometrial, esophageal, gastric, kidney, liver, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer are just some types of cancer associated with a higher percentage of body fat.

Why obesity promotes cancer

The adipose tissue (also known as fats) don’t just provide storage for energy reserves. Studies have shown that it can also function as a mediator for some inflammatory signals, which stimulates tumor growth.

Expanding adipose tissue is also shown to disrupt the gut bacteria and pave the way to mutagenic changes in cells.

Although reducing the body fat percentage doesn’t make one cancer-proof, it can significantly reduce one’s cancer risk and other health problems associated with obesity.

Bariatric surgery criteria

For some individuals, losing weight is not as easy as going through a diet and exercise program. In cases like this, bariatric surgery can be helpful.

You qualify as a candidate for a weight loss or bariatric surgery if:

• You have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40
• You have a BMI of 35 and have at least one obesity-related comorbidity
• You are unable to lose weight through diet and/or exercise alone

Weight Loss Surgery at Foothills

At Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN your first step begins with watching online a free educational seminar, where you’ll learn about your surgical weight loss options and see other patients and our staff. From there, we’ll help you confirm your insurance benefits, set you up for your initial consultation, and other needed appointments for the surgery.

Your health matters. If you’re struggling to lose weight on your own, let the Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons team help you. Call our office today at (865) 984-3413. 

Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is a division of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.