Annual Report on the Status of Cancer highlights effects of obesity and inactivity on cancer risk

April 13, 2012

The Annual Report to the Nation on Status of Cancer shows a continuing decline in cancer death rates from all cancers combined for men, women and children between 2004 - 2008.

But it's not all good news. A special feature section of the report highlights the effects of excess weight and lack of physical activity on cancer risk.

The report is co-authored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society. It appeared early online on March 28, 2012, in the journal CANCER.

A quote from the NCI press release states, "This report demonstrates the value of cancer registry data in identifying the links among physical inactivity, obesity, and cancer," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D. "It also provides an update of how we are progressing in the fight against cancer by identifying populations with unhealthy behaviors and high cancer rates that can benefit from targeted, lifesaving strategies, and interventions to improve lifestyle behaviors and support healthy environments."