Why are obese men more prone to colorectal cancer?

Nov 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Obese men are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, primarily due to factors such as insulin resistance, abnormal fat metabolism, gut microbiota imbalance, chronic inflammation, and hormonal changes. These factors collectively elevate the risk of malignant transformation in colon cells. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Obese men are particularly prone to insulin resistance.

Men with obesity are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, primarily due to factors such as insulin resistance, abnormal fat metabolism, gut microbiota imbalance, chronic inflammation, and hormonal changes. These factors collectively increase the risk of malignant transformation in colon cells. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Insulin resistance: Obese men are prone to insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels. Excess insulin can stimulate abnormal proliferation of colon cells and inhibit cell apoptosis, potentially triggering malignant transformation of the colonic mucosa over time.

2. Abnormal fat metabolism: Accumulated body fat, especially abdominal fat in obese individuals, breaks down into large amounts of fatty acids. Harmful substances generated during their metabolism can damage the colonic mucosa and increase the likelihood of cellular carcinogenesis.

3. Gut microbiota imbalance: Obesity disrupts the balance of gut microbiota, increasing harmful bacteria that produce toxins. This alters the intestinal microenvironment, impairs the barrier function of the colonic mucosa, and reduces the body's ability to eliminate precancerous cells.

4. Chronic inflammatory state: Obesity induces a persistent state of low-grade chronic inflammation. Prolonged exposure to inflammatory cytokines causes repeated injury and repair of colonic tissue, increasing the chance of genetic mutations in cells and promoting the development of colorectal cancer.

5. Hormonal changes: Male obesity affects the metabolism of androgens and estrogens, resulting in relatively elevated estrogen levels. Estrogen may promote colonocyte proliferation, disrupt normal cell growth balance, and thereby increase the risk of carcinogenesis.

Treatment for colorectal cancer typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy to control disease progression. Management includes maintaining a low-fat, high-fiber diet, engaging in regular physical activity to manage weight, undergoing periodic follow-up examinations to monitor disease status, and maintaining emotional stability to support recovery.

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Is triangular-shaped stool a sign of colon cancer?

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Can a 20-year-old get colorectal cancer?

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