Obesity and cancer in Appalachia

摘要: Appalachia, a diverse, federally designated region that spans 13 states, is home to nearly 25 million residents. It is also an area in which the leading cause of death is cancer and financial and physical access to healthcare are known barriers to regular medical care. Obesity and its risk factors contribute to the region’s burden of cancer incidence and mortality. Disparate prevalences of overweight and obesity have been found in Appalachia as early as preschool, and, compared to the rest of the country, parts of Appalachia have higher rates of physical inactivity and lower prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption. Obesity is related to at least eight types of cancer, of which colorectal cancer and female breast cancer have been the most heavily examined in Appalachia. This report reviews what is known about obesity and cancer in the Appalachian region and provides suggestions for future intervention …