CANCER RESEARCH UK

Cancer Research UK, the UK's leading cancer charity This site has a wealth of information about the charity and about cancer We also have many ways for you to make a donation or to support our vital cancer research

Keeping a healthy body weight is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of getting cancer, after quitting smoking. Research has shown that many types of cancer are more common in people who are overweight or obese, including: breast cancer, in women after the menopause, bowel cancer, womb cancer, oesophageal (food pipe) cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer. This list includes two of the most common types of cancer, and three of the hardest to treat. The fat tissues in overweight people produce more hormones and growth factors than those in people of a healthy weight. High levels of some of these hormones, including oestrogen and insulin, can increase the risk of certain cancers.