SynthesisBMC cancer2026
Abdominal obesity and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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4 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThis meta-analysis investigates the association between abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).
methodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant English-language prospective cohort studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for the primary meta-analysis, comprising 13,193,908 participants with 131,438 incident CRC cases. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effects model.
resultsCentral obesity was associated with a 31% increased risk of CRC (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.25-1.37). The risk was higher in men (RR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.31-1.52) than in women (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.19-1.34; P for subgroup difference = 0.04). The association was stronger for colon cancer (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.27-1.47) than for rectal cancer (RR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.11-1.26; P < 0.001). Waist circumference specifically showed a 32% increased risk (RR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.25-1.41). Studies using measured WC/WHR reported a higher risk (RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.36-1.61) than those using self-reported measures (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.20-1.32; P < 0.001). No significant heterogeneity was found by exposure type (WC vs. WHR) or geographic region.
conclusionsCentral obesity is a significant and independent risk factor for colorectal cancer, with stronger associations observed for colon cancer than for rectal cancer and higher relative risks in men than in women. Visceral fat appears to play a critical role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Maintaining a healthy waist circumference through regular physical activity and a balanced diet remains a key strategy to reduce CRC risk.
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