Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Online Streaming Available
March 19th, 2026 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Hours
Description
Diet, physical activity and adiposity are associated with risk of a number of cancers, particularly those of the digestive and reproductive systems. Emerging evidence suggests visceral fat and ectopic fat in the liver, pancreas, and muscle may be more closely related to metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia than is overall body weight, BMI, or subcutaneous adipose. Visceral fat and related metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are associated with risk of cancer; causality is supported by mechanistic studies, molecular epidemiology and genetics epidemiology. Moderate levels of physical activity (e.g., an hour brisk walk 5 times per week) may not have large effect on BMI, but it will have substantial effects on amount of visceral and ectopic adiposity and metabolic biomarkers, which may account for the effect of physical activity on cancer risk. Individuals with dietary patterns that would tend to lower insulin and inflammation appear to be at lower risk of cancers, especially digestive system and reproductive system cancers. The integrated effects of dietary pattern, physical activity, and visceral adiposity on metabolic health may account for at least 1/4 of total cancer incidence and mortality in the US. Emphasizing dietary pattern and physical activity may be a useful public health approach rather than focusing primarily on weight loss.
Dates and Times
Start: 3/19/2026 12:00 PM
End: 3/19/2026 1:00 PM
Objectives
To review evidence that visceral fat and ectopic fat in the liver, pancreas, and muscle may be more closely related to metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia than is overall body weight, BMI, or subcutaneous adipose.
To understand that visceral and ectopic fat and related metabolic abnormalities are associated with risk of a number of cancers, particularly those of the digestive and reproductive systems, and the association is likely to be causal.
To understand that physical activity and dietary pattern, by reducing visceral and ectopic fat level, or ameliorating their consequences on metabolic abnormalities, may reduce cancer risk.
Speakers
Location
Basic Sciences Tower Level 9, Rm 140
101 Nicolls Rd
Stony Brook , NY 11794
Accreditation
The School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Need help with this Grand Round Session?
Please contact the Grand Round coordinator listed below:
Rachel Larin
Department: Pathology Department
Phone: (631) 444-2169
Email: rachel.larin@stonybrookmedicine.edu