Two separate studies – one recently completed and one just underway – examine one of colon cancer’s most important risk factors: weight.

The first study, conducted by Michigan State researchers, showed men with large waistlines and high body mass index – measurements used to determine whether or not someone is obese or overweight – were much more likely to have develop colon polyps.

In studying 126 healthy, 48- to 65-year-old men that underwent colonoscopies, researchers found more obese participants were a whopping 6.5 times more likely to have three polyps than thinner men.

The other study is funded by the National Cancer Institute and focuses on weight loss in women who have already developed colon cancer.

Participants receive a free membership to a weight-loss facility and nutritional counseling, and researchers are hoping to learn how much the combination of physical activity and healthy eating habits can improve 10-year survival rates in women with colon cancer.

Studies have shown both regular exercise and healthy eating improve survival rates, but the two have never been studied together in this way.

OTHER COLON CANCER NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

• World Cancer Day was Tuesday, and cancer experts reinforced that preventative measures – like curbing obesity and other modifiable risk factors – are key to stopping the world’s deadliest disease. (via Medscape)
  
  
• More from the same experts on these risk factors in detail. (via Medscape)
  
  
• Perhaps not coincidentally, CVS announced this week that it will no longer sell tobacco products, earning praise from many in the cancer and health communities. (via USA Today)
  
  
• If you want to support the fight against cancer, Purple Your Profile and Chevrolet will donate one dollar to the American Cancer Society
  
  
• This is a couple of weeks old, but The Washington Post has a great graphic on the health hazards of sitting (which includes increased risk of colon cancer).
  
  
• From our blog this week: How Healthy Were Your Super Bowl Snacks? and A 12-Step Winter Workout You Can Do At Home.

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