Weight, Dietary Behavior, and Physical Activity in Childhood and Adolescence: Implications for Adult Cancer Risk

Abstract

Lifestyle factors related to energy balance, including weight, dietary behavior and physical activity, are as-sociated with cancer risk. The period of childhood and growth into adolescence and early adulthood may re-present a ‘cumulative risk’ for later adult-onset cancers. We review a number of epidemiologic studies that have examined associations among childhood and adolescent body size, diet, and physical activity with adult cancer risk. These studies suggest that unhealthy behaviors that develop early in life and persist over time may increase the risk of some cancer types, such as premenopausal breast, ovarian, endometrial, colon and renal cancer, adversely affect cancer-related morbidities, and increase mortality. Continued research is needed to further determine and refine how timing and degree of such exposures in early childhood and adolescence relate to adult cancer risk. Presently, sufficient evidence suggests a continued need for stronger primary prevention in cancer and obesity research via modified lifestyle behaviors earlier in the developmental spectrum, i.e. during childhood and adolescence.

Diet-induced metabolic change induces estrogen-independent allometric mammary growth

“…Epidemiological studies have consistently highlighted an as-yetunclear relationship between early life diet (34,35), obesity (3), BMI (2), and breast cancer risk. Dietary fat intake has generally failed to account for breast cancer risk across numerous epidemiological analyses (36), although consumption of hydrogenated fats was recently associated with a greater risk (37).…”

Cancer Treatment by Greco-Arab and Islamic Herbal Medicine

“…Avicenna also had discussed the diet effect on cancer progression. In regard of cancer prevention he said that "As to preventing its (cancer) progress, it can be achieved by … improving the diet and reinforcing the involved organ by the known effective medications …" It is well known nowadays that several chemicals are carcinogenic [15,16] and that obesity is a cause of various diseases including cancer [17,18]. Fig.…”

Look into the Future through the Past

“…Based on a systematic PubMed research, Fuemmeler et al [19] review a large set of epidemiologic studies examining childhood and adolescent weight, diet, and physical activity as they relate to risk of adulthood cancers; methodological issues are obviously important and particularly include whether or not weight and height were measured (or recalled) during childhood and adolescence. Interesting findings can be summarized as follows: In most studies a greater BMI at age 18, or higher perceived body fat relative to others during childhood, was found to be associated with an approximately 20-50% decreased risk of breast cancer.…”

“…The final two articles pertain to older individuals and health issues. Thus, Fuemmeler et al [19] address the prediction of later adult-onset cancers in relationship to growth patterns during childhood and adolescence. Finally, Bales and Buhr [20] examine the extent to which obesity might actually be associated with better health in old age.…”