In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is joined by Dr. Kristy Brown and Dr. John Jakicic, co-leaders of KU Cancer Center's new Obesity, Metabolic Health & Cancer research program, the first of its kind at an NCI-designated cancer center focused on the obesity–cancer link. They discuss rising obesity rates, obesity's link to at least 13 cancers, and key biological mechanisms including insulin and glucose signaling, inflammation, and hormone changes such as estrogen. The guests explain how this new program will harmonize cancer and obesity research, study how changes in adiposity and tissue quality affect cancer risk and treatment response, and develop interdisciplinary, community-informed prevention and intervention strategies, including lifestyle approaches and newer obesity medications, to improve outcomes and survivorship.

00:00 Obesity and Cancer Link

01:03 Why KU Cancer Center Launched Program

03:47 How Obesity Fuels Cancer

05:57 Reversing Risk Questions

07:10 First of Its Kind Program

09:30 Obesity as the New Tobacco

10:35 Team Science and Partnerships

13:10 Patient Impact and Trials

16:46 Tissue Quality and Muscle

18:52 Next Decade Opportunities

21:31 Equity and Real-World Barriers

22:12 Evidence and Expert Validation

24:25 Closing and Resources

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about the new Obesity, Metabolic Health & Cancer Research Program at KU Cancer Center

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