IOM Report Looks at Role of Obesity in Cancer Survival
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has issued a workshop summary examining the role of obesity in cancer survival and recurrence. Held October 31-November 1, 2011, by IOM’s National Cancer Policy Forum, the workshop included presentations from experts on “the latest laboratory and clinical evidence on the obesity-cancer link and the possible mechanisms underlying that link.” Participants also discussed clinical interventions to mitigate the purported effects of obesity on cancer, as well as “research and policy measures needed to counteract the expected rise of cancer incidence mortality due to an increasingly overweight and older population.”
In particular, the workshop explored “the complex web of molecular mechanisms that underlie the obesity-cancer link and whether it is obesity itself, the energy imbalance that leads to obesity, or the molecular pathways that are deregulated due to obesity, that lead to increased risk of cancer initiation or progression.” The group also considered more policy-specific research “that addresses diet, physical activity and other energy balance behavior, and how such behavior can be influenced by manipulating the environment to support lifestyles less likely to lead to obesity.” To this end, one attendee noted that research supporting the effectiveness of certain environmental interventions would help secure “congressionally mandated financial support for these types of changes.”
Among the various policy suggestions directed at both the private and public sectors, workshop participants also debated “the possibility of involving the private sector in efforts to counter obesity,” “much like the private sector was involved in policies developed to counter promotion of tobacco products.” In addition, one expert mentioned focusing early obesity prevention efforts on schools. “While we have a lot of regulation about what’s offered in the school meals programs, we are reimbursing the schools in terms of high-fat commodities and dairy products, and making it difficult for them to achieve these goals,” she said. “We also have appallingly little regulation of what’s offered in the vending machines in the schools or in school stores. We need to offer healthier food options and encourage children to choose them.”
