Obesity rates have increased dramatically over the last three decades in Canada and globally, and continue to rise, with one in 5 Canadian adults characterized with obesity and 30-40% with overweight. Although the association between obesity and cancer has long been established, it is still a widely unrecognized contributor to cancer risk and cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Researchers estimate that obesity will soon surpass tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer, and historical data suggest that 15-20% of cancer deaths are attributed to overweight and obesity.
Despite the growing burden of obesity, many clinicians are still hesitant to intervene. A lack of training in broaching the topic and in providing appropriate guidance for weight management in patients, especially those with a cancer diagnosis, often hinders health care professionals from addressing the issue with their patients.