Cohort study of body mass index and risk of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in Asia

The global burden of obesity is increasing, as are colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohort studies included in the Asia Cohort Consortium investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and CRC incidence and mortality in Asia. The analysis demonstrated positive associations between BMI and incident CRC among 619,981 participants, and between BMI and risk of CRC-related death among 650,195 patients after a CRC diagnosis. Risk was greater among participants with colon cancer compared with rectal cancer and among men compared with women.