Association between body mass index and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia.

Obesity is an increasing problem for industrialized nations. The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia has also risen during the past two decades. A recently published population-based study attempted to relate this rise to increases in obesity or body mass index. Obesity may not only increase the risk for adenocarcinoma of the upper gastrointestinal tract, but it may also increase the risk of colon cancer and overall mortality. More research is needed to understand obesity's health impact and ways to control this epidemic.