You've probably heard the old song, "Leg bone's connected to the knee bone, knee bone's connected to the thigh bone." Well, some connections in the body aren't so obvious.

According to a study of more than 44,000 patients, your risk of developing cancer over the next 10 years jumps by 30% if you have metabolic syndrome, a condition that is diagnosed if you have any three of: high blood pressure, low levels of good HDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, high blood sugar, and a large waistline.

The study also found that people with metabolic syndrome and high levels of inflammation associated with C-reactive protein are specifically at risk for breast, endometrial, colon, rectal, and liver cancers.

While we've long known that metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes, the association with cancer is a new insight. (Previous studies have linked high blood pressure alone with an increased risk of some cancers.)

To avoid or reverse metabolic syndrome, the first step is achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. That can lower your blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and help lower triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol. Eliminate highly processed foods and increase the amount of walking and strength-building exercises that you do.

The newest weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound may also be helpful.

Other important steps include stress management, healthy sleep habits, and quitting and/or avoiding cigarettes and vapes.