Tags: weight | loss | predictor | cancer | lung | pancreatic | colon

Unintended Weight Loss Predictor of Cancer: Study

Unintended Weight Loss Predictor of Cancer: Study
(Copyright iStock)

Thursday, 12 April 2018 09:13 AM EDT

A new UK meta-analysis has found that unintended weight loss is the second highest risk factor for certain cancers, including colorectal, lung, pancreatic and renal.

Led by the Universities of Oxford and Exeter, the research is the first robust analysis to examine all available evidence to look at an association between weight loss and cancer.

For the analysis the research looked at 25 studies, which together included data from more than 11.5 million patients.

The team found that unintended weight loss was linked with 10 types of cancer: colorectal, pancreatic, gastro-oesophageal, ovarian, lung, renal tract, myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, biliary tree, and prostate.

The risk of developing cancer was also stronger when weight loss occurred with other symptoms, such as rectal bleeding in colorectal cancer, and with increasing age.

Co-author Professor Willie Hamilton commented on the findings saying, "We've always known that unplanned weight loss may represent cancer. This study pulls together all the published evidence and demonstrates beyond doubt that it is important in efforts to save lives from cancer."

Lead author Dr. Brian Nicholson, added, "Streamlined services that allow GPs to investigate non-specific symptoms like weight loss are vitally important and urgently needed if we are to catch cancer earlier and save lives."

"Our research indicates that coordinated investigation across multiple body sites could help to speed up cancer diagnosis in patients with weight loss. We now need to continue our research to understand the most appropriate combination of tests and to give guidance on how much weight loss GPs and patients should worry about."

The results can be found published online in the British Journal of General Practice.

© AFP/Relaxnews 2025


Health-News
A new UK meta-analysis has found that unintended weight loss is the second highest risk factor for certain cancers, including colorectal, lung, pancreatic and renal.Led by the Universities of Oxford and Exeter, the research is the first robust analysis to examine all...
weight, loss, predictor, cancer, lung, pancreatic, colon
270
2018-13-12
Thursday, 12 April 2018 09:13 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
Find Your Condition
Newsmax2 Live
 
On Now:7:00a ET • First Edition
Coming Up:9:00a ET • Salcedo Live
Get Newsmax Text Alerts

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved