Why being slim can HIDE illnesses: People who look outwardly healthy 'may be at increased risk of bowel cancer'

  • Abnormal insulin levels puts people at greater risk of bowel cancer
  • Study found this the case regardless of whether someone is overweight 
  • An increased risk is linked to having a poor diet and sedentary behaviour
By Kate Pickles For Mailonline
Published: 00:16, 22 September 2016 | Updated: 09:52, 22 September 2016
Slim people who look outwardly healthy may be at increased risk of bowel cancer if they have raised insulin levels, research has shown.
A new study found that abnormal insulin is associated with a greater risk of bowel cancer, whether or not an individual is overweight.
The findings suggest that measuring blood levels of the hormone could help identify those most likely to develop the disease, increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis and treatment.
Research has shown that slim people who look outwardly healthy may be at increased risk of bowel cancer if they have raised insulin levels

Obesity is already known to be a risk factor for bowel cancer.
Study scientist Dr Marc Gunter, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in France, said: 'These results show for the first time that bowel cancer risk is associated with elevated insulin levels among lean people, as well as those with obesity.