Metabolic syndrome linked to higher risk of several obesity-related cancers and worse colorectal cancer survival

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Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity Published June 1, 2026 Medically reviewed June 1, 2026 Study authors: Winn Maci, Karra Prasoona, Benson Ryzen, Pauleck Svenja, Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn, Khaing Win, Veettil… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Consider metabolic syndrome as a potential risk factor for several obesity-related cancers and a prognostic factor for colorectal cancer survival, but evidence is limited by bias and variability.

This umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses synthesized evidence from 21 systematic reviews (out of 2524 initially retrieved) on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity-related cancer (ORC) risk and survival. The review evaluated 10 associations for MetS and ORC risk: four were highly suggestive, six suggestive, seven weak, and eight nonsignificant. For MetS and ORC survival, five associations were evaluated: one suggestive, three weak, and one nonsignificant. The authors note that the findings suggest metabolic syndrome increases the risk of several obesity-related cancers and worsens colorectal cancer survival, but caution that study variability and potential publication bias limit certainty. Egger's and excess significance tests were significant for 8 (32%) associations between MetS and ORC risk and 3 (60%) associations between MetS and ORC survival. The authors emphasize the urgency of prevention and management strategies targeting metabolic dysfunction to reduce cancer burden, but acknowledge that a better understanding of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and obesity-related cancers is still needed.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

PMID41508551

View Original Abstract ↓

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be associated with obesity-related cancer (ORC) owing to shared risk factors like physical inactivity, insulin resistance, gut microbiome dysfunction, and inflammation. We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence on the association between MetS and ORC risk and survival. METHODS: Searches in five databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) retrieved 2524 systematic reviews with meta-analyses (SRMAs), which underwent title and abstract screening (2524), full-text review (41), and data extraction for included SRMAs (21). Summary effects and 95% confidence intervals were re-estimated using random-effects models. Methodological quality, certainty of evidence, and publication bias were assessed using the AMSTAR 2, modified Ioannidis criteria, and Egger's test, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 25 associations between MetS and ORC risk and five between MetS and survival were evaluated. Overall, 10 associations evaluating MetS and ORC risk were highly suggestive (four) or suggestive (six), while the rest were classified as weak (seven) or nonsignificant (eight). One association was suggestive for MetS and ORC survival, while the rest were classified as weak (three) or nonsignificant (one). The Egger's and excess significance tests were significant for 8(32%) associations between MetS and ORC risk and 3(60%) associations between MetS and ORC survival. CONCLUSION: This umbrella review suggests metabolic syndrome increases the risk of several obesity-related cancers and worsens colorectal cancer survival. Despite study variability, consistent associations across diverse populations highlight the urgency of prevention and management strategies targeting metabolic dysfunction to reduce cancer burden. Summary In this umbrella review, highly suggestive and suggestive evidence supports associations between MetS and the risk and survival of several obesity-related cancers. However, a better understanding of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and obesity-related cancers is still needed to provide appropriate clinical care, design optimal interventions, and prevent subsequent increases in the risks of cancer, morbidity, and mortality.