Obesity and cancer

Obesidad y cáncer

To the Editor:

The recent report on obesity and cancer is very interesting [1]. Lusia et al. noted that “20% of all cancers could be prevented by obesity prevention and control strategies [1].” In fact, there are many reports focusing on the possible relationship between obesity and cancer. However, it is still a myth. Based on the present report in your journal, there can be a bias in it. The “average obesity” in the population studied comes from average values of both obese and non obese groups and this cannot represent the individual. In fact, the assessment of risk should be obtained in a case control study based on comparing obese cases to non obese ones. In addition, there are several types of cancers and the assessment of risk factors should be made for each specific kind of cancer.

To draw a conclusion as the one proposed in the present report seems to be too early.

Hai Err¹, Viroj Wiwanitkit²

¹Sanitation1 Medical Academic Center.
Bangkok, Thailand.

²Visiting Professor, Hainan Medical University, China.

References

1. Garmendia ML, Ruiz P, Uauy R. [Obesity and cancer in Chile: Estimation of population attributable fractions]. Rev Med Chile [online]. 2013; 141: 987-94.

Nota del Editor: Esta carta fue enviada a la autora corresponsal aludida, sin obtener una réplica en el plazo pertinente.

Correspondence to:
Hai Err, Sanitation. Medical Academic Center, Bangkok Thailand.
haierbj@live.com