J Okla State Med Assoc. 2026 Jan-Feb;119(1):7-16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing public health crisis in the United States, with over 70% of adults classified as overweight or obese. It has been associated with multiple health conditions, including at least 13 types of cancer. Despite this, awareness of the obesity-cancer link remains low, with only 53% of Americans aware of it as of 2019. Understanding the epidemiology of obesity-related cancers is critical, particularly in high-obesity states like Oklahoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and trends of obesity-related cancers in Oklahoma, focusing on demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic disparities.

METHODS: Articles were selected through a structured literature search and narratively summarized by key study characteristics and results. We used data from the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry (OCCR) from 1999 to 2022, identifying cases based on CDC-defined obesity-related cancers. Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) were calculated per 100,000 population, using the 2000 U.S. standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Spatial analysis was conducted using Global and Local Moran's I statistics. Demographic and socioeconomic data were linked using U.S. Census and Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC).

RESULTS: Between 2018-2022, 44,304 Oklahomans were diagnosed with obesity-related cancers, representing 39% of all cancer cases. Rates were higher in women (AAIR: 243.0) than men (AAIR: 127.0), with notable variation by race, insurance type, rurality, and poverty level. American Indian/Alaska Native populations had the highest incidence. Breast, colorectal, and kidney cancers comprised most cases. Geographic clustering was evident, particularly in southeastern Oklahoma.

CONCLUSION: Obesity-related cancers constitute a significant proportion of the cancer burden in Oklahoma. Disparities by sex, race, socioeconomic status, and geography underscore the need for targeted prevention and education strategies. Public awareness campaigns and health policy interventions addressing obesity may help reduce cancer incidence in high-risk populations.

PMID:42445098 | PMC:PMC13361131