Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of blood cancer in children. though it can affect children between ages 0-19 years, kids belonging to the age group 2-5 years are especially are higher risks. Statistically it is found that males are at slightly higher risk of developing this condition than in females.
Researchers at the Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles have found that obesity increases the rate of progression of blood cancer in children.
Results of their findings will be published in the Journal Cancer Prevention Research, on October 5, 2010. The nexus between these two health complications is not only surprising but also is going to have far-reaching health implications in the future.
How Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is Linked to Obesity?
- As a part of the study, the researchers fed high-fat diets to experimental mice suffering from ALL.
- The study provided the insight that in all the mice risk of developing ALL increased with weight gain.
- Older mice were at higher risk of developing blood cancer with weight gain.
- The observations were consistent with the effects seen in lung cancer patients exposed to tobacco smoke and breast cancer patients with increased levels of estrogen in the body.
- The tendency of aged mice possessing the high risk of cancer agreed with the other weight gain related health complications like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Though the exact mechanism of how obesity promotes blood cancer is yet to be learnt, it is beleived that fat cells do release certain types of hormones which allow and assist the growth and rapid division of cancer cells.
How Serious is the Nexus Between Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Obesity?
Evidence of the link between blood cancer in children and obesity is particularly disturbing. Unfortunately both these health issues are quite prevalent and have no cure.
The general public either respond in fear or ignore the possible consequences of this connection until it is too late for them or for their loved ones. Awareness in people and timely initiatives from the health care officials can properly address the gravity of the situation.
