The review was based on 32 U.S. studies on breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer screening tests. It was found that obese white women were less likely than leaner women to get the recommended screenings for breast and cervical cancer. The trend, though, was not as consistent among black women.
"Obesity is increasing, and so is the evidence that obesity increases the risk of certain cancers like colorectal cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer," said Sarah S. Cohen, lead author of the article published online March 24 by the American Cancer Society.
Ms. Cohen said that the review reveals a disturbing trend, seeing women who are at increased risk of cancer because of their weight are less likely to be receiving screening tests that can detect early the cancer when it is treatable.
Getting routine cancer screening is significant because increase in weight is associated with increased risk of some cancers. The author and her colleagues would like to find ways to encourage bigger women to get cancer screening.
