A Healthcare Providers Guide to Cancer and Obesity

The evidence for the link between obesity and cancer is clear and strong; obesity is linked to the development of certain cancers and to recurrence in some cancers. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor but one that is challenging to modify. It is also a topic that is often difficult to talk about and not just between friends and family members. Health care providers also find it difficult to talk about and some of us refuse to raise the topic with our patients despite the evidence that it is important to talk about it and our patients find it acceptable and perhaps even encouraging. Many health care providers struggle with the same issues as our patients.

This book is an effort to remove the taboo about talking about this sensitive topic. It is not intended to make the reader an expert in nutrition or exercise; we have colleagues who are the experts in these areas. The primary focus of this book is on having the conversation, finding the words, breaking down the barriers, and enlightening our patients that there is something they can do in the face of cancer that will improve their lives, decrease their risk of recurrence and poor outcomes, and if their families join them, reduce the risk of their developing cancer in some instances.