Abstract
There is mounting evidence that obesity is linked to numerous types of cancer that affect both sexes. But the incidence of obesity-related cancers is particularly high among women. Obesity is implicated not only in the development of cancer, but also in cancer recurrence, treatment complications, and poor patient outcomes. Nurses, particularly those caring for women, should be aware of these associations so they may provide effective patient teaching about preventing cancer and mitigating its adverse effects. The author discusses the role of obesity in the development and recurrence of cancer in women; describes weight loss interventions that may reduce cancer risk in overweight or obese patients; and suggests interviewing techniques to help nurses sensitively address the topic of overweight and obesity with their female patients.