Association of Anorexia Nervosa With Risk of Cancer

Abstract

Background: The association between anorexia nervosa and cancer risk has garnered increasing attention in the academic literature, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses illuminating the complexities of this relationship. In 2017, (Catalá-López et al., 2017) initiated an exploration into this topic by outlining a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the potential links between anorexia nervosa and cancer outcomes, recognizing that both conditions are significant public health concerns.  Literature Review: Subsequent systematic reviews and meta-analyses by (Valderas Martinez et al., 2019) and (Catalá-López et al., 2019) further elucidated this relationship. The former reported a decreased incidence of breast cancer among women with anorexia nervosa, attributing this finding to hormonal factors such as lower serum concentrations of estradiol and insulin-like growth factor 1. They also highlighted an increased risk of smoking-related cancers, indicating that caloric restriction does not uniformly confer protective effects against cancer. The latter study reinforced these findings while emphasizing the limited evidence supporting a significant inverse relationship between anorexia nervosa and overall cancer risk. Their analysis suggested that while specific cancers might be less prevalent, the overall incidence of cancer does not appear to be significantly influenced by anorexia nervosa. Conclusion: Together, these articles underscore the necessity for further investigation into the biological mechanisms underlying the observed associations. The complexity of the anorexia nervosa-cancer risk relationship indicates that while certain protective effects may exist, they are not universally applicable across all cancer types. Future research should aim to clarify these nuances and consider confounding factors that may influence outcomes, ultimately enhancing clinical understanding and public health strategies related to both anorexia nervosa and cancer risk.