Is obesity linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer in men compared to women?

This doesn’t mean obesity doesn’t raise risk in women — it clearly does. But the data suggest that for every unit of excess body weight, the rise in colorectal cancer risk may be more pronounced in men. The reasons for this difference aren’t fully clear from the evidence we’ve reviewed, but factors like fat distribution, hormone levels, or how the body processes insulin might play a role. We don’t have enough detail to say why this gap exists, only that it appears consistently across multiple population studies.

What this means for everyday life: if you’re living with obesity, whether you’re male or female, your risk of colorectal cancer is higher than someone with a normal weight. But for men, the added risk tied to excess weight may be even more significant. Keeping a healthy weight remains one of the most practical steps you can take to lower your risk — regardless of gender.