ASCO 2024: Older cancer survivors with overweight, obesity at higher risk of developing second cancer

New research presented at ASCO’s annual meeting found that older adult cancer survivors with overweight or obesity at the time of their first cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of developing a second cancer, especially a BMI-related cancer. The findings highlight the importance of considering weight loss strategies and heightening awareness of second cancers in older cancer survivors.

About the study

Researchers analyzed data from 26,894 men and women (median age at diagnosis of first cancer, 72.5 years) enrolled in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition cohort who were diagnosed with a first non-metastatic incident cancer between 1992 and 2015. Most were women (59%) and had overweight or obesity (60%). Survivors were followed-up until 2017 for the diagnosis of a subsequent primary malignancy and obesity-related second cancer.

During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 3,748 participants were diagnosed with a second cancer, including 1,140 obesity-related second cancers. Approximately 90% of second malignancies were diagnosed at least one year after the first cancer.

Key findings

Compared with cancer survivors whose BMI was in the normal range, those with overweight or obesity were at 15% and 34% increased risk of any second cancer and 40% and 78% increased risk of obesity-related cancers. Obesity was associated with 39% increased risk of breast second cancers and a two-fold increased risk of colorectal second cancers.

Researchers concluded that, due to the high prevalence of cancer survivors with excess body weight, these findings have important public health implications.

Sources:

(2024, May 28). American Cancer Society. Obesity at time of cancer diagnosis brings higher risk for survivors for second cancer, new study finds. [Press release]. https://pressroom.cancer.org/ASCO24BODELON.

Bodelon, C, et al. Body mass index and the risk of subsequent cancers among older cancer survivors. Abstract #12043. Presented at: 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology; May 31-June 4, 2024; Chicago, IL. https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/231344