It covers 13 types of cancer, namely esophageal adenocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, and meningioma, but also cancers affecting the endometrium, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon, kidney, and thyroid. A healthy diet is a modifiable factor that has been shown to reduce cancer mortality when associated with obesity.
A recent study titled “Association of Food Deserts and Food Swamps With Obesity-Related Cancer Mortality in the US” published in JAMA explored access to healthy foods by location in the US, defining as “food deserts” areas that did not have access to a supermarket within 1.6 km (one mile) for ease of access to healthy foods, and as “food swamps,” areas where fast food is close and people living in the area have access to foods that boost inflammation over fresh food.
The aim was to analyze the relationship between healthy eating and fast food consumption and obesity-related cancer mortality in the US. The study was conducted in 3,038 counties and found that counties with the highest “food swamp” scores had a 77% increased chance of high mortality from obesity-related cancer.
The “food swamps” score was calculated as the ratio of fast food and convenience stores to grocery stores, supermarkets and street markets. Higher “food swamps” and “food deserts” scores (20.0 to 58 and above) indicated counties with fewer healthy food resources.
Obesity-related cancer mortality rates were categorized as high (above 71.8 people per 100,000 population) and low (below 71.8 people per 100,000 population) by county.
Results
A total of 3038 counties with high obesity-related cancer death rates compared to counties with low death rates had:
- higher percentage of black residents (3.26% vs. 1.77%),
- higher percentage of people over 65 (15.71% vs. 15.40%),
- higher poverty rates (19% vs. 14.40%),
- higher rates of adult obesity (33% vs. 32.10%), and
- higher rates of adult diabetes (12.50% vs. 10.70%).
A 77% increased odds of high obesity-related cancer mortality rates were also found among counties with high “food swamp” scores, but also a positive relationship between the 3 levels of “food swamp,” “food desert” scores, and obesity-related cancer mortality.
The researchers pointed out that the pathological mechanisms associated with obesity continue to be investigated, but have been largely associated with increased chronic inflammation, hormonal disturbances and changes in the gut microbiome. The increased chronic inflammatory environment due to obesity may lead to an increased risk of cancer mortality.
Adherence to a healthy diet has been associated with a reduced risk of obesity and cancer and mortality.
Food “deserts” and “swamps” in the US exist primarily in the southern and southeastern states, where rates of chronic disease are highest among adults, with breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers predominating. In just one study, it was found that patients living in “food deserts” had a 16% higher risk of breast cancer mortality and a 12% higher risk of colon cancer mortality compared to people living in areas with easy access to healthy food.
Another study has found a strong association with obesity in areas where fast food is easily accessible.
The researchers concluded that sustainable approaches are needed to fight obesity and cancer and to establish access to healthier food, such as creating more walkable neighborhoods and gardens available to the public.
