Obesity, insulin resistance pathway factors, and colon cancer

Abstract

Obesity, central adiposity in particular, is considered a "probable" cause for colon and many other cancers. Insulin resistance resulting from long-term energy imbalance is believed to be one of the key mechanisms underpinning the obesity-colon cancer link. This chapter synthesizes existing evidence that supports this hypothesis and discusses molecular pathways through which adipose tissue dysfunction in the state of obesity and insulin resistance may promote colon carcinogenesis. From a public health perspective, lifestyle and behavioral modification to maintain energy balance is clearly the most effective measure to reduce the burden of obesity and colon cancer. Elucidation of the molecular/genetic pathways underlying the connection between obesity-associated insulin resistance and colon cancer may lead to the identification of novel targets upon which interventions can be developed to disrupt the causal link between obesity and colon carcinogenesis.