Sudden weight loss is the second highest risk factor for some forms of cancer, according to a study.


The study, led by the Universities of Oxford and Exeter, found that unintended weight loss is the second highest risk factor for colorectal, lung, pancreatic and renal cancers.


The research analysed the findings of 25 studies, incorporating data from more than 11.5 million patients in total, found that weight loss was linked with 10 types of cancer.


The analysis found that unintended weight loss in people over 60 exceeded the three per cent risk threshold for urgent investigation in NICE guidelines. In females over 60, the average risk across all sites involved was estimated to be up to 6.7 per cent, and in males up to 14.2 per cent.
-- ANI