Oncologist warned about increased risk of cancer of the genitourinary system due to obesity

In some cases, obesity directly affects the formation of cancerous tumors due to hormonal imbalance, chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. There is a noticeable link between obesity and cancer of the genitourinary system. On July 9, the oncourologist of the SM Clinic Debo Bedene told Izvestia about this.

"Obesity, according to WHO experts, is the second most important risk factor for cancer in both men and women, second only to smoking," the doctor warned.

According to him, over the past 10 years, the proportion of cancer diseases associated with obesity has increased significantly. Oncologists observe a clear connection: the higher the patient's body mass index, the higher the risk of malignant degeneration in the tissues of the genitourinary system.

Young and middle-aged overweight men put themselves in particular danger. Today in Russia, the proportion of overweight men with some type of cancer has already exceeded 12%. As Bedene noted, the process of accumulation of adipose tissue in the body is inevitably accompanied by chronic inflammation and oxygen starvation, triggers that create an ideal environment for mutations of healthy cells and the formation of tumors of the kidneys, bladder and prostate.

"With the help of light, it is possible to determine complications of diabetes and the boundaries of cancerous tumors"

Valery Tuchin, a specialist in the field of optical technologies in medicine, talks about new methods of diagnosis and treatment of dangerous pathologies

So, according to the oncologist, increased fat mass, especially in the retroperitoneal space, supports a constant inflammatory process that affects the organs of the urinary system — kidneys, bladder and urethra. With prolonged inflammation, pathological changes begin in these organs, which over time can lead to the development of renal cell carcinoma. And in the case of bladder cancer, in addition to obesity, insulin resistance is also a concomitant risk factor. Obese patients often develop diabetes mellitus, and in this condition, the division of cancer cells in the tissues of the bladder is noticeably accelerated.

However, kidney and bladder cancer are not the only problems caused by excess weight. Another organ that is very important for men's health, the prostate gland, is at risk.

"We know that with obesity, the testosterone level in a man's body decreases. Hormonal imbalance has a very negative effect on men's health and reproductive functions, moreover, it can become a powerful impetus for the development of malignant tumors in the gland. The prostate is an extremely sensitive organ that reacts sensitively to the slightest hormonal disruptions," Bedene added.

At the same time, the specialist mentioned genetic inheritance — the transmission of "bad" genes from father to sons. This means that a predisposition to obesity and prostate cancer can be inherited, even if children and grandchildren lead a healthy lifestyle.

"The prevention of obesity is a very important issue related not only to solving the problems of metabolism and overweight, but also the risks of cancer. And as an oncologist, I want to advise you to actively engage in your health. Consult with an endocrinologist, balance your diet, give up bad habits, add more physical activity," the doctor recommended.

The body will perceive any changes positively. And regular examinations of the genitourinary system (ultrasound, MRI, biochemical analyzes), according to him, will help to control your health and not worry about the risk of developing cancer.

Earlier, on April 16, SM-Clinic oncologist Vadim Maklakov told Izvestia about which people are more susceptible to melanoma than others. According to him, red-haired people have an almost four times higher risk of developing melanoma than dark-haired people.