Chronic Metabolic Syndrome Tied to Higher Cancer Risks

In a recent study published in the journal Cancer titled “The Association of Metabolic Syndrome Scores Trajectory Patterns with Risk of All Cancer Types,” researchers revealed a concerning link between chronic and worsening metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of many cancers.  

This research involved 44,115 Chinese adults with an average age of 49. The involved adults were classified into four trajectory pattern groups such as low-stable, moderate-low, moderate high, and elevate-increasing, based on their metabolic syndrome (MetS) score during the period of the research. 10.56% of adults showed a low-stable pattern as they maintained consistently low MetS scores.

40.84% of adults showed a moderate-low pattern as they maintained MetS scores ranging from moderate to low. 41.46% of adults showed a moderate-high pattern, maintaining MetS scores from moderate to high. The remaining 7.14% showed an elevated-increasing pattern that indicates a rise in MetS scores over time. 

The study found 2,271 cancer cases among the participant adults during the follow-up period. The follow-up period of this study lasted from 2010 to 2021, with a median follow-up of 9.4 years.

In comparison to those with a low-stable pattern, adults with an elevated-increasing pattern faced significantly higher risks of developing any kind of cancer, including breast cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer. The elevated-increasing pattern group consistently exhibited risks even when combining the low-stable, moderate-low, and moderate-high trajectory pattern groups. 

The study revealed that breast cancer, endometrium cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer were the most common cancers in those who had chronic inflammation and high metabolic syndrome (MetS) scores.

Those who scored consistently high but did not suffer from chronic inflammation were more likely to develop kidney cancer. 

According to senior author Han-Ping Shi, MD, Ph.D., of Capital Medical University in Beijing, proactive and continuous management of metabolic syndrome is a crucial strategy to prevent cancer.

He stated, “Our study can guide future research into the biological mechanisms linking metabolic syndrome to cancer, potentially resulting in targeted treatments or preventive strategies. Formal evaluation of these interventions will be needed to determine if they can modulate cancer risk.” 

The results of this study highlight the significance of treating metabolic syndrome early and maintaining effective management to reduce the risk of developing various types of cancers.

As metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol, individuals are urged to adopt a holistic approach to their health, incorporating lifestyle changes and medical interventions to combat this concerning health issue. 

The implications of this research extend beyond the identification of risks, prompting further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms linking metabolic syndrome and cancer.

Understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for targeted treatments and preventive strategies, ultimately shaping the future landscape of cancer prevention and intervention. 

Reference:  

 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35235