The Higher the Body-Mass Index, the Higher the Risk for Adenoma

Obesity is considered a risk factor for colon cancer and adenomas. However, study results have been mixed on the magnitude of risk and whether it is limited to men. Now, researchers have conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the link between body-mass index (BMI) and colorectal adenoma.

Investigators identified 36 studies (16 case-control, 13 cross-sectional, and 7 cohort or nested case-control) appropriate for the meta-analysis. A 5-unit increase in body-mass index (BMI) was associated with a 19% increased risk for colorectal adenoma regardless of patient sex, study region (U.S., Europe, or Asia), or adjustment for physical activity, smoking, caloric intake, alcohol use, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in a subset of studies. In …