Severe Obesity Linked to Lower Rates of Recommended Cancer Screenings

Recent research from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center reveals that individuals with severe obesity are less likely to participate in essential cancer screening procedures. Published in JAMA Network Open under the title "Obesity Severity and Cancer Screening in US Adults," the study analyzed over two million profiles from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to explore the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and screening rates for various cancers.

The findings indicated that adults with a BMI of 50 or higher, classified as severely obese, showed significantly reduced participation in screenings such as Pap tests, mammograms, sigmoidoscopies, and colonoscopies compared to those with lower BMI categories. While some BMI groups, like the 30.0 to 39.9 range, maintained or slightly exceeded screening rates, the highest BMI group demonstrated the greatest disparities.

Experts believe that multiple barriers, including accessibility issues and limitations within the healthcare system, contribute to these disparities. Dr. Vance Albaugh emphasized that such obstacles discourage higher BMI individuals from accessing preventive care, which is vital for early cancer detection. Although some self-administered testing options offer promise, the effectiveness of these measures often depends on subsequent inpatient procedures.

The research categorized BMI into five groups: 18.5-29.9 (normal weight), 30.0-34.9, 35.0-39.9, 40.0-49.9, and 50 or more. The study focused on screening recommendations for colon and rectal, cervical, breast, and prostate cancers, which are routinely endorsed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Dr. John Kirwan highlighted the importance of adapting healthcare strategies to improve screening access for severely obese populations. By understanding and addressing specific barriers, healthcare providers can enhance early detection efforts, ultimately improving cancer outcomes among this high-risk group.

For more details, see the full study: Florina Corpodean et al, "Obesity Severity and Cancer Screening in US Adults," published in JAMA Network Open (2025).