# Obesity and cancer prevalence in Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/obesity-and-cancer-prevalence-in-spain
> Updated: 2026-10-05T04:00:25.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Research presented at the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) congress has highlighted a significant correlation between obesity and various health risks. Globally, obesity affects approximately 13% of the population, with projections suggesting this could rise to 25% of adults by 2035. The data indicates that two-thirds of excess mortality linked to obesity is attributed to cardiovascular diseases, driven by inflammatory substances released by visceral fat.

In Spain, the FOBEyCAN study involving 1,333 patients across 29 centers found that 57.8% of cancer patients are overweight and 23.6% are obese. Obesity rates exceeding 20% were specifically noted in patients with breast, colon, endometrium, ovary, and kidney cancers. The study observed that obesity was slightly more prevalent in women (24%) than in men (21%), with the highest frequencies appearing in the 60 to 69 age group.

Recent developments indicate a shift in medical approaches to breast cancer toward multidisciplinary care. Rather than focusing solely on tumor elimination, modern oncology is emphasizing personalized treatment plans that incorporate nutritionists, cardiologists, psychologists, and physical exercise specialists to preserve quality of life. 

Furthermore, the FOBEyCAN study, which links excess weight to an increased risk of at least 13 types of cancer and potential influences on treatment response, aims to expand its scope from 1,333 to 3,000 participants to further investigate these metabolic connections.

## Claims

- Modern breast cancer treatment focuses on multidisciplinary teams rather than just drugs. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Breast cancer treatment has shifted from tumor elimination to personalized, whole-body approaches. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 57.8% of cancer patients in Spain are overweight or obese. (single source)
- 23.6% of cancer patients in Spain are obese. (single source)
- Excess weight is linked to an increased risk of developing at least 13 types of cancer. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Oncology shifts toward personalized care and obesity research

Oncology is evolving toward multidisciplinary, personalized care for breast cancer, while new studies in Spain highlight a significant link between obesity and increased cancer risks.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oncology-shifts-toward-personalized-care-and-obesity-research

### 2026-09-30: Obesity linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer risks

Obesity is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and specific cancers, including breast and colon cancer, according to recent medical data and studies presented in Spain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/obesity-linked-to-cardiovascular-disease-and-cancer-risks

### 2026-09-30: Spain study finds 58% of cancer patients are overweight or obese

A study presented by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology shows that 57.8% of cancer patients in Spain are overweight or obese, with high prevalence in breast, colon, and kidney cancers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-study-finds-58-of-cancer-patients-are-overweight-or-obese

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Cite as: Obesity and cancer prevalence in Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/obesity-and-cancer-prevalence-in-spain