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Connection between Obesity and Cancer.
Did you know that higher-weight individuals face a higher risk of developing cancer? A new study reveals a strong link between obesity and melanoma.
How Obesity and Skin Cancer Are Connected
A groundbreaking study has discovered a connection between obesity and melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. While excessive sun exposure and tanning beds remain major risk factors, researchers now believe that obesity-related genetics also play a role.
The Genetic Link Between Obesity and Melanoma
Scientists have identified a specific obesity-related gene that may increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. The FTO gene, previously linked to weight gain and metabolic disorders, is now under study for its impact on skin cancer.
Researchers at the University of Leeds Cancer Research Centre examined DNA from 73,000 individuals, including 13,000 with melanoma. Their findings, published in Nature Genetics, show that those with a certain FTO gene variation develop melanoma at a much higher rate.
What This Means for Future Cancer Research
Lead researcher Dr. Mark Iles stated, “This is the first time an obesity-related gene has been linked to melanoma. We must now explore if it affects other diseases.”
These findings could shape future cancer treatments. If confirmed, they may lead to new drugs targeting the genetic link between obesity and melanoma.
While further research is needed, this discovery reinforces the importance of a healthy lifestyle—not just for weight control but for reducing serious disease risks, including skin cancer.
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